Summary of Phase III of Re-Opening Our Economy

Governor Northam announced all of Virginia will enter Phase III of re-opening the economy as of today, July 1. 

As a reminder, below is a summary of the guidelines for Phase III; the complete guidelines are available here. Please note there is a change regarding bar seating that was announced on June 30. 

Teleworking and physical distancing will continue to 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 distance while shopping and waiting in lines. 

Restaurants will not have a capacity restriction, and they must provide 6 feet of distancing between parties. Please note: previously, capacity restrictions for bar seating was going to be lifted. However, on June 30, Governor Northam announced that bar seating will be prohibited in Phase III. He made this decision after seeing the rise in COVID-19 cases in other states, some attributed to bars. You can see the full announcement here. 

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.