As Phase 3 is coming soon to Virginia, here are the changes that are happening:
- Virginia’s 50-person limit on gatherings established in Phase 2 (that was an increase from the original 10-person limit) will expand to a 250-person limit
- Non-essential retail establishments’ 50% capacity limit will be lifted, but physical distancing still required
- Restaurants’ 50% indoor and outdoor capacity limit will be lifted, but physical distancing still required
- Entertainment venues (including museums, zoos, aquariums, outdoor venues, movie theaters, etc.) will have their capacity limit raised to 50% with a maximum of 1,000 people in any space
- Gyms and fitness centers will have their capacity limit raised from 30% to 75%
- Beaches will continue to be open for recreation
- Personal grooming services can open up, not just by appointment only, but will still need to follow all existing distancing requirements
- Childcare services can reopen across Virginia, not just for working families any more
- Overnight summer camps remain closed in Phase 3
- Public pools – which were open just for exercise and swim instruction – will be allowed to open up to 75% capacity, with distancing requirements in place
- Recreational sports are allowed to continue so long as physical distancing is possible; the limit on shared equipment is lifted so long as it can be sanitized
