GOVERNOR NORTHAM ANNOUNCES THAT VIRGINIA WILL ENTER PHASE 3 OF REOPENING ON JULY 1

Virginia will enter phase 3 of reopening next week on July 1. Governor Ralph Northam announced Tuesday that the commonwealth will enter the third phase next Wednesday after all of the state's COVID-19 metrics, from new cases to hospitalizations, are showing a downward trend. Capacity limits on stores and restaurants will be lifted, but social distancing will still be required. Entertainment venues can reopen at 50 percent capacity, while gyms and pools can open at 75 percent capacity, and gatherings of up to 250 people will be allowed. Hospitalizations are declining in the commonwealth, but cases are increasing in surrounding states, so the governor recommends people continue to socially distance and wear masks in public. Unlike in the previous two phases, Northern Virginia will move into phase 3 with the rest of the commonwealth. 

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