Northam to lift capacity limits for businesses

Gov. Northam speaks at a COVID briefing May 6.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced yesterday that he is planning to lift all capacity limitations for businesses on June 15 if the current trend of declining COVID-19 cases continues. Social distancing restrictions would be lifted on that date, too. 

Northam didn’t say whether mask requirements would be ended. But state law bans wearing a mask unless a state of emergency has been declared. The current state emergency expires June 30, and the governor indicated he isn’t likely to extend it. 

The daily COVID case count in Virginia has been below 1,000 for the past two weeks, while the percentages of positive test results and hospitalizations are at the lowest levels since October. 

“That’s a big deal after a hard year,” Northam said. The data “have informed every decision.” Today, the data shows, “the vaccines are working.”

However, now that vaccinations are readily available, the challenge is encouraging people to get them. Fairfax County residents can sign up for a vaccination here.

Northam cited his own personal experience in urging people to get vaccinated: “I’ve had COVID, and I’ve had the vaccine, and between the two, it’s an easy choice.” Seven months after being infected, he said, “I still can’t smell or taste anything.” 

Additional state restrictions will be eased on May 15. Sports and entertainment venues will be able to operate with increased capacities. Restaurants will be able to sell alcohol after midnight and could stay open until 5 a.m.

Related story: Gov. Northam eases more COVID restrictions

Entertainment events indoors will be able to operate with 50 percent capacity and up to 1,000 people. Outdoor events could operate with 50 percent capacity and no limit on the number of people.

The number of spectators allowed at indoor sports events will increase to 250 or 50 percent capacity, whichever is less. Outdoor sports events could have 1,000 spectators or 50 percent capacity, whichever is less.