Northam Allows NASCAR Events, Recreation At Virginia Beaches

RICHMOND, VA — Gov. Ralph Northam said Thursday the entire commonwealth will remain in phase one of reopening for at least another week but will allow beach recreation as well as racing events without spectators. Most of Virginia has been under phase one since May 15, but Northern Virginia, Richmond and Accomack County will start phase one on Friday, May 29. Phase one for all of Virginia will continue for at least another week to collect more public health data.

The governor said phase two could start no earlier than June 5 but has not yet announced phase two guidelines.

"Our trends are encouraging," said Northam of progress toward phase two. "We are testing more people, and the percent of positive tests continues to trend down. We continue to add to our testing capacity."

Beach communities won't have to wait until phase two to open for recreation. On Friday, Northam is allowing all public beaches to open for recreational activities. Virginia Beach was the only locality allowed to open beaches for recreational activity in time for Memorial Day weekend.

"Social distancing will be required, and we will still maintain restrictions similar to what you saw for Virginia Beach: no large gatherings of more than 10 people, no tents, no alcohol and no group sports," said Northam.

Northam visited Virginia Beach over the holiday weekend and believes visitors were following social distancing guidelines. The governor drew backlash for not wearing a mask while posing for photos at the oceanfront.

Northam says he is also revising orders to allow NASCAR and other single-day events at vehicle and horse racetracks with "strict guidelines" starting Friday. However, the events won't be open to spectators or the public. Northam believes there is "minimal risk" for the open-air events to happen with restrictions and space between participants. NASCAR has an event planned on June 10 in Martinsville.

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Friday also brings a new mask wearing requirement in public indoor spaces across Virginia. Anyone age 10 and older will have to wear a mask inside brick-and-mortar retail, personal care and grooming businesses; places where people congregate; food and beverage businesses; on public transportation; and in state or local government services buildings. The requirement will not apply to eating and drinking at restaurants and exercising. Those with health conditions that prevent them from wearing face masks will not have to wear them.

The Virginia Department of Health will enforce the order, not law enforcement or businesses. Rita Davis, counsel to the governor, said there are two procedures for enforcement of public health orders: a civil process in which an injunction is obtained or a warrant issued by a magistrate. Enforcement is for "only gross, egregious and repeated conduct in violation of the order,” she said.

"What is important to remember in all of this is that it should not be the responsibility of the Virginia Department of Health to make sure you are wearing your mask," said Davis. "And it certainly should not be the responsibility of law enforcement or a business to make sure you are wearing a face covering. Rather, it is the personal responsibility of each and every one of us to comply with Executive Order 63. It’s the right thing to do. And it’s the right thing to do to protect oneself, one's family and your fellow Virginians."

Northam says businesses aren't expected to enforce the order but are encouraged to educate patrons about face masks.

On the coronavirus testing front, testing will start on Friday at 39 drive-thru CVS Pharmacy locations in Virginia. Individuals must make appointments and meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for testing as well as state and age guidelines. Testing is self-swab, conducted at the drive-thru window. Patients will provided with a test kit and given instructions while a CVS Pharmacy employee checks for correct use. Test results come back in about two days. Individuals can start registering for appointments on Friday.

"This is just one of the partnerships we're working on to ensure that testing is widely available across Virginia, and to help Virginians understand how easy it should be to get a test. I intend to get tested soon as well," said Northam.

With Virginia DMV locations continuing to open in phases, Northam extended the validity of driver’s licenses and identification cards expiring on or before July 31 for 90 days or up to Aug. 31. Locations and availability of services are provided on Virginia DMV's website.

The Virginia National Guard's COVID-19 response will continue to be funded by the federal government. The federal government approved an extension of Title 32 status as requested by Northam. The Virginia National Guard has been helping with sample collection at testing sites, mask fitting at long-term care facilities and correctional facilities, supply distribution and more.

Northam said the state has made 200 shipments of personal protective gear this week. This includes 30,430 N95 respirator masks, 143,450 surgical masks, 169,450 gloves, 35,930 gowns and 8,810 face shields.

The governor and Virginia First Lady Pam Northam will hold a virtual celebration for the class of 2020 Friday at 5 p.m. The school year for graduating seniors and other K-12 students was cut short when Northam ordered schools closed in March.

"You have all worked for years toward the goal of graduating and now that you have reached this milestone, you cannot celebrate it together with your classmates, friends, family and teachers," he said. "And I know this must be very, very difficult."

The virtual event will include musical performances, a keynote speaker and well-wishes from notable Virginians. The event will be streamed live on the governor's Facebook page and on local PBS stations in Virginia.

Northam acknowledged the death toll of the pandemic after the U.S. surpassed 100,000 deaths, which includes 1,338 Virginians.

"It's important that we remember that these aren't just numbers," said Northam. "They are real people they're our friends, they're our neighbors, and they're our loved ones. And that is why we work every day to limit the spread of this virus and keep Virginia healthy and safe. It's why it is so important that everyone continue to please act responsibly to reduce the chances of getting or spreading the virus."

Northam also recognized Sunday, May 31, as the one-year anniversary of the shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center and read the names of the 12 victims. The city is planning a virtual event to honor the victims.

Patch editor Gillian Smith contributed to this report.

SEE ALSO:

• Kaine Reports Positive Antibody Test; 10K Testing Jump In VA
• Northam Announces Face Mask Policy, NoVA Reopening To Be Allowed
• VA Weekly Unemployment Claims Lowest Since March Spike
• Fairfax County Cases Exceed 10K, What Phase 1 Means For NoVA