NEWSLETTER

JUNE 18, 2020

Neighbors,

At this time, all of Virginia will remain in Phase II of re-opening our economy. We have all seen the headlines of COVID-19 cases rising in some other states. And while Virginia’s positive cases and hospitalizations have been trending downward, we must still be vigilant in following guidelines for Phase II to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19. This includes practicing social distancing and wearing face coverings in public indoor places. Thank you for all you are doing to protect our public health. 

June 23rd Primaries

On June 23rd, Virginia is holding our Democratic and Republican primary elections. Please note that absentee ballots must be received by 7pm on June 23. You will also be able to vote in-person at your normal polling station in the 42nd District; polls will be open 6am to 7pm. For more information, please see here.

Updates

Below are COVID-19 and other updates from Governor Northam and Fairfax County. As always, please let me know if I can be of assistance by calling my office 804-698-1042 or emailing me at DelKTran@house.virginia.gov.

Best, Kathy

Updates from Governor Northam and state agencies

Guidelines for Phase III of Re-opening

  • The Governor announced Virginia will remain in Phase II of re-opening the economy as he continues to assess COVID-19 health data. As a reminder, you can review the guidelines for Phase II here.

  • There is no date yet for when Virginian will enter Phase III of re-opening the economy. Below is a summary of the guidelines for Phase III; the complete guidelines are available here.

  • Teleworking and physical distancing, will be encouraged. 

  • Face coverings will continue to be required in indoor public spaces. For more information, see EO 63.

  • Social gatherings will be able to include up to 250 people or up to 50% of the capacity of the event space, whichever is less.

  • All businesses will need to follow physical distancing guidelines, frequently clean and sanitize high contact surfaces, and keep enhanced workplace safety measures in place.

  • Non-essential retail stores will not have a capacity restriction, and they must assist customers in maintaining 6 feet of distancing while shopping and waiting in lines. 

  • Restaurants and beverage services will not have a capacity restriction, and they must provide 6 feet of distancing between parties.

  • Farmers markets will be able to re-open, and they must provide 6 feet distancing between tables.

  • Gyms will be able to open at 75% capacity, and they must maintain 10 feet of distancing between patrons.

  • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools will be able to open at 75% capacity. Pools must maintain 10 feet of distancing between swimmers not in the same household. Free swim is allowed. Parents or guardians may support a participant during class, and instructors may have contact with swimmers when necessary. Hot tubs, spas, saunas, splash pads, spray pools, and interactive play features will be closed.

  • Indoor and outdoor recreational sports should maintain 10 feet of physical distance between all instructors, participants, and spectators, where practicable.

  • The total number of attendees (including both participants and spectators) of recreational sports cannot exceed 50% of the capacity of the venue or 250 persons, whichever is less. For sports played on a field, attendees are limited to 250 persons per field.

  • Personal grooming businesses must stagger appointments. Work stations must have at least six feet of distancing, and patrons must maintain at least 6 feet of physical distancing in the waiting area. 

  • Campgrounds cannot have gatherings of more than 250 people.

  • Overnight summer camps will remain closed. 

  • Entertainment venues will be able to open at 50% capacity but no more than 1,000 people. Venues must maintain 10 feet of distancing between performers, participants, and patrons who are not members of the same household. There should be 6 feet of distancing in outdoor lines between people who are not members of the same household. 

  • Places of worship must seat individuals attending religious services at least six feet apart at all times and must practice physical distancing at all times. Family members may be seated together. 

COVID-19 Data

  • More detailed race and ethnicity data about COVID-19 has been incorporated into the Virginia Department of Health’s dashboard. You can view the data by scrolling to the main dashboard and clicking on the Demographics tab here and read about the changes here.

Updates from Fairfax County

Resources for the Latinx Community

In response to the disproportionate effect of the pandemic on the Latinx community, Fairfax County, in collaboration with the county’s Health and Human Services system and the state, has expanded the following resources: 

  • Community testing events in areas with particularly vulnerable populations, including the Latinx community.

  • A COVID-19 Language Portal with documents, videos, and audio files 

  • translated into 10 languages, including Spanish. You can access the website here.

  • A multilingual call center that can assist in identifying emergency food, shelter,  clothing, healthcare, employment, financial assistance, and COVID-19 testing. Please call 703-222-0880 for assistance and more information. 

View my summary of the 2020 legislative session here.

View my previous e-newsletters here.

View my new COVID-19 resource page to see a summary of state actions, guidance, and resources here.