On May 26 Governor Northam announced that Northern Virginia will enter Phase One under the Forward Virginia plan. Fairfax County will begin the first phase to reopen businesses and houses of worship on Friday, May 29. 

In early May, Northern Virginia localities had asked Northam to delay this first phase for the region. Based on health data, however, elected officials sent a joint letter to Governor Northam on Monday supporting the transition to reopen, based on four key metrics: 

• Downward trend in positive COVID-19 cases during the past 14 days 
• Downward trend in hospitalizations during the past 14 days
• Increased testing
• Adequate hospital bed and intensive care capacity 

The Forward Virginia plan provides guidelines that all businesses must follow in the first phase but eases previous restrictions on restaurants, fitness facilities, barbers and beauty salons, other retail businesses and houses of worship. Movie theaters, concert halls, bowling alleys, and other indoor entertainment businesses remain closed. Social gatherings of more than 10 people continue to be prohibited and residents are still encouraged to stay home and socially distance. 

Business Reopening Guidelines 

In general, the first phase eases restrictions as follows: 

• Restaurants: Restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and wineries may serve dine-in customers at tables outside, at 50 percent of their normal indoor capacity. Tables must be spaced six feet apart and no more than 10 people may sit at a table. A restaurant’s indoor bar area must remain closed. Disposable menus are required and servers must wear cloth face coverings. 
• Fitness Facilities: Gyms, recreation centers, sports centers and pools may open for outdoor activities only. Customers, trainers, and instructors must stay 10 feet apart from each other and equipment also must be spaced 10 feet apart. Exercise classes are limited to 10 people. Outdoor swimming pools may be open for lap swimming only, with one person per lane. Indoor pools, hot tubs and spas, and outdoor basketball and racquetball courts must remain closed. 
• Personal Care: Beauty salons, barbers, spas, massage centers, tanning salons, and tattoo shops are limited to 50% of their normal capacity and customers must make appointments to come in. Customers and employees are required to wear face coverings. These businesses must keep a record of all clients served, including name, contact information, and date and time of service. 
• Retail: Other retail businesses may reopen at 50% capacity and employees must wear face coverings. Essential businesses, such as grocery stores, should follow the state’s guidance for all businesses. 

Click here for more information on how to determine your business’ maximum capacity during Phase One. Business owners should consult the state’s mandates and best practices for specific industries for more detailed information. 

Houses of Worship Guidelines

Under Virginia’s Phase One guidelines, churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples may hold services in their houses of worship at 50% of their normal capacity. With the exception of families, congregants must sit six feet apart. Items should not be passed around during a religious service. Wine, beverages, and food must be served in individual, disposable containers. Social gatherings remain limited to no more than 10 people. Click here for additional guidelines for houses of worship.