Virginia Beach will reopen for recreational use Friday, with limits on which activities will be acceptable, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday.
During a briefing, Northam said Virginia is reopening beaches to allow activities such as sunbathing, surfing, swimming and fishing “as defined by the city’s ordinance.”
However, the governor said the following activities will remain prohibited:
- Group sports
- Fishing on sand beaches in the resort area
- Tents and groupings of umbrellas
- Speakers
- Alcohol
- Parking lots and garages will be limited to 50% capacity
“Let me be clear: These rules must be followed,” Northam said. “If people swarm these beaches and ignore social distancing rules or the regulations the city has put into place, I will not hesitate to reinstate Phase I restrictions, or even close the beach outright, if necessary.”
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Northam said beach ambassadors will monitor compliance, and there will be enhanced cleaning schedules in high-touch areas.
Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer also warned potential beachgoers to adhere to the rules.
“We must not take this opportunity for granted, and everyone needs to be committed to being safe and proactive when visiting the beaches,” Dyer said.
The announcement came after many parts of Virginia began gradually lifting some restrictions, which prompted crowds of people to visit beaches in Ocean City, Maryland; Rehoboth, Delaware; and Virginia Beach.
Northam reiterated the importance of maintaining social distancing, wearing face coverings and frequent hand washing.
“While some of you might find it a bit inconvenient to wear your mask, remember: It may just save another person’s life,” he said.
Testing
Northam said the state is ramping up testing in areas with at-risk populations, defined as “places where people have a higher health risk for complications from COVID-19 and incomes of less than $30,000 per year.”
Northam said masks, hand sanitizer and educational materials are being distributed in Petersburg, and added the state will be pairing testing and distribution in Richmond, Harrisonburg and Chesapeake.
Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Norm Oliver said that the African-American community continues to be especially hard hit by the virus, representing 23% (4,864) of the total cases in the state and 24% (213) of the total deaths.
Housing hardships
With the reopening of courts set for Phase II, Northam said the state is providing a 3-month mortgage deferral for Virginians in economic hardship.
Last month, the governor amended legislation to allow tenants to receive a 60-day deferral on an eviction if they can provide proof of lost wages due to coronavirus, and caps late fees at 10% of the periodic rent, or 10% of the remaining balance due, whichever is less.
The governor directed Virginians to a new website for more tools, information and resources.
Schools
Northam announced he’s named a team of education leaders from all levels of schooling to meet with public health officials in the coming weeks to lay out “specific next steps” for a fall return to school.
