NEWSLETTER

MAY 26, 2020

Neighbors, 

Today is the deadline to register to vote or update your voter information for the June 23 primary elections. I encourage you to have your voice heard in our democratic process! You can register and update your information here. 

Tele-Town Hall on Thursday, 5/28!

This Thursday, May 28 at 6:30pm, I am hosting a Tele-Town Hall with Senator Scott Surovell. We will provide an update from the 2020 legislative session and our state’s response to the pandemic. 

You can participate in the conversation with the following information: Dial-in (605) 472-5239 | Access Code 811044 | Submit questions ahead of time here. 

Updates

Below are COVID-19 updates from Governor Northam and state agencies. As always, please let me know if you have any questions by calling (804) 698-1042 or emailing DelKTran@house.virginia.gov.

Best, Kathy

Updates from Governor Northam and State Agencies

Healthcare Updates

  • Face Covering Requirements

    • To limit the spread of COVID-19, Governor Northam has made the decision, effective May 29, to require all Virginians over the age of 10 to wear a face covering in the following circumstances:

      • Inside all brick and mortar retail establishments;

      • Inside all personal care and grooming establishments;

      • Inside places where people congregate;

      • Inside food and beverage establishments;

      • On public transportation;

      • When accessing state or local government services

    • The following are exceptions to this new statewide requirement:

      • While eating or drinking;

      • While exercising;

      • If you have trouble breathing or are unable to remove the mask without help;

      • If your health conditions prohibit wearing a face covering;

      • Children under the age of 10, though the Governor recommends children ages three to 10 wear one if possible

    • This week, the Governor will be issuing an Executive Order and Public Health Order to enforce these requirements, so we will have additional information soon. 

Re-Opening Northern Virginia’s Economy

  • Governor Northam announced today that he plans on allowing Northern Virginia to begin Phase I of re-opening our region’s economy starting May 29. The Governor indicated he will provide more specific information about this decision on May 27. 

  • Note: on May 25, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay joined chief local elected officials from Northern Virginia — including Arlington, Loudoun County, and Prince William Counties as well as the Cities of Alexandria and Fairfax, and the towns of Dumfries, Herndon, Middleburg, and Vienna — to let Governor Northam know our region has begun preparations to enter Phase I on May 29. Additionally, they requested Northern Virginia begin Phase II at the same time as the rest of Virginia, once a date is set, and that additional resources be provided to assist people with a mental health diagnosis, including veterans, who have faced additional challenges during the pandemic. You can find the letter here. 

New Guidelines for Workers

  • Virginia’s Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry is preparing updated regulations regarding workplace safety, specifically regarding availability of personal protective equipment, enhanced sanitization, and medical records requirements. Additionally the regulations will address issues such as employee exposure to COVID-19 and hazard pay. 

  • These regulations will need to be reviewed and approved by the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board, which has authority to make temporary guidance effective for up to six months. In order to make these changes last longer, or codified, the regulations would need to be reviewed by the Governor and Virginia Attorney General or considered by the Virginia General Assembly. 

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.