Beer and wine takeout now available
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| Sign spotted in Annandale. |
Virginia now allows restaurants to provide beer and wine to
takeout customers, Gov. Ralph Northam announced during his daily coronavirus
briefing on March 20.
takeout customers, Gov. Ralph Northam announced during his daily coronavirus
briefing on March 20.
Restaurants statewide are required to limit occupancy to no
more than 10 people at a time and are encouraged to offer takeout and delivery
options instead of inside dining.
more than 10 people at a time and are encouraged to offer takeout and delivery
options instead of inside dining.
Northam said he’s heard reports of some businesses that are not complying with that rule and noted that localities have the authority to
enforce the 10-person restriction for restaurants, theaters, and fitness
centers.
Virginia has 114 COVID-19 cases so far, plus 35 tests in
process, reported Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver at the briefing. There have been two
deaths in Virginia, and 19 people are hospitalized. Nationwide, there are more
than 13,000 cases and 196 deaths.
process, reported Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver at the briefing. There have been two
deaths in Virginia, and 19 people are hospitalized. Nationwide, there are more
than 13,000 cases and 196 deaths.
Related story: Lt. Gov. urges bolder state action on coronavirus
The state has 1,000 COVID-19 tests, which Oliver says meets
the current demand, but is not enough to provide massive testing.
the current demand, but is not enough to provide massive testing.
He said the state will issue guidelines later today to make
testing less restrictive for the most vulnerable populations, including
the elderly and residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
testing less restrictive for the most vulnerable populations, including
the elderly and residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Denise Toney, director of Consolidated Laboratory Services, said the lab has an adequate supply of collection swabs, viral
transport media, and other supplies today, “but we can’t say what will happen in
a couple of days.”
transport media, and other supplies today, “but we can’t say what will happen in
a couple of days.”
The Virginia Department of Health has nearly 200,000
respirators and is distributing them – along with surgical masks, gowns, and
gloves – to first responders and hospitals as the top priority.
respirators and is distributing them – along with surgical masks, gowns, and
gloves – to first responders and hospitals as the top priority.