NEWSLETTER

Novemmber 15, 2020

Neighbors,

The United States is experiencing a wave in rising COVID-19 cases. Here in Virginia, we are averaging 1,500 new COVID-19 cases per day, which is about 300 more cases than our statewide peak in May. Our hospitalizations have increased by more than 35% statewide in the last four weeks. Tragically, about 3,800 Virginians have died from COVID-19.

This pandemic has had a devastating toll on many of us. Please continue to wear masks, socially distance, and wash hands often. Remaining vigilant now will help us limit the spread of COVID-19 and more quickly return to “normal.”

To address the spread in Virginia, Governor Northam announced on Friday that he is implementing new restrictions effective November 15 at 11:59pm - Please see below for more information.

Save the Date

Veterans Tele-Town Hall, 11/30 at 7pm

I’m hosting a Tele-Town Hall on November 30 at 7pm to talk about state services for our military families and veterans. My special guests are Carlos Hopkins, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, and Claudia Flores, Director of Policy and Planning for the Virginia Department of Veterans 

Dial-in (605) 472-5239 | Access Code 811044 |  Submit Questions here

As always, please let me know if I can be of assistance by calling my office at 804-698-1042 or emailing me at DelKTran@house.virginia.gov.

Best, Kathy

Delegate, 42nd District

 

COVID-19 Updates

Updated Statewide Restrictions

Governor Northam has updated Executive Order 63, Order of Public Health Emergency Five, Executive Order 67, and Order of Public Health Emergency Seven in light of the rising COVID-19 cases across Virginia. There are several key changes that take effect on November 15 at 11:59pm - I’ve summarized them below; you can find the full text here: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/executive-actions/ 

Public and private in-person gatherings are limited to 25 individuals

  • All public and private in-person gatherings in indoor and outdoor settings are limited to 25 individuals. “Gatherings” include, but are not limited to, parties, celebrations, or other social events.

  • This gathering limit does not apply to places of employment, educational institutions, or religious services.

  • Religious services with more than 25 people are required to meet social distancing, cleaning, and safety guidelines, including seating parties a minimum of six feet apart and implementing mandatory face coverings. However, any gathering held in connection with a religious service, like a wedding reception, is subject to this limitation. 

Expansion of mask mandate 

  • Everyone ages five and over are required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces.

Strengthened enforcement for essential retail businesses

On-site alcohol curfew and closure time for restaurants and other dining establishments

  • Alcohol sales, consumption, and possession on premises must end at 10:00 p.m. at all restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms. Alcoholic beverages may still continue to be sold for delivery or take out, per existing state regulations.

  • Dining and congregant areas in restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms must close by midnight. Delivery and take-out services may continue to be offered.

Sports and recreation:

  • Spectators at recreational sporting events are limited to 30% occupancy or 25 spectators per field, whichever is less. 

  • Fitness centers, gyms and similar facilities are limited to 75% occupancy. Fitness and exercise group classes are limited to 25 people or 75% occupancy, whichever is less.  

  • No gatherings of more than 25 people are allowed on public beaches.

  • Entertainment and amusement facilities, and racetracks and speedways are limited to 30% occupancy or 250 people, whichever is less.

  • Large outdoor amusement parks and zoos must limit private bookings to 25 people.

Testing Updates

Below are updates regarding Virginia’s testing capacity. 

One Lab Network

  • Virginia is finalizing contracts with three labs to establish a “One Lab Network” that will serve as Virginia’s coordinated testing system. This will help increase testing capacity and support high priority testing efforts. 

Antigen Tests

  • Virginia has purchased 200,000 antigen tests through the Rockefeller Testing Compact. These tests are arriving in Virginia and will be distributed to nursing homes and long term care facilities. 

Health Equity

  • To support our most vulnerable neighbors, the Governor’s Health Equity team has distributed 850,000 masks and 700,000 bottles of hand sanitizer across Virginia.