Restaurants, theaters won’t reopen until May 8

Northam speaks at a coronavirus briefing April 15.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is extending Executive Order 53 for two more weeks.

That directive requires the closure of restaurants, gyms, theaters, barber shops, hair salons, schools, and all entertainment and recreational businesses.

That order now will expire May 8, instead of April 23, Northam announced at an April 15 briefing.

Northam reminded the public the stay-at-home directive (Executive Order 55) remains in effect until June 10, although it might be ended earlier.

“We’re still seeing new cases, but social distancing is working, and we’re flattening the curve,” Northam said. “If we let off the brakes too soon, we’ll see another surge, and cases will overwhelm hospitals.”

When social distancing restrictions are lifted, it will be done gradually, Northam said. It won’t be like flipping a switch.

Related story: Northam executive order lists business that must close

Northam said, “The new normal” means continuing to “cover your face, spending more time at home, teleworking if you can, continuing using social distancing, and staying away from large gatherings.”

He also announced the state has received $70 million from the federal CARES Act to support childcare. The funds will be used to allow childcare centers to remain open to serve first responders and other essential workers and have schools used for childcare centers when needed.

Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver reported 329 new COVID-19 cases in the state in the past 24 hours, for a total of 6,500. There were 41 new deaths reported since yesterday for a total of 195.

Virginia has data on race and ethnicity for only 3,904 cases. Within that group, African Americans make up 30 percent of COVID-19 cases and 35 percent of deaths.

Fairfax County reported 91 new cases on April 15. There are a total of 1,298 cases and 29 deaths in the Fairfax Health District.