Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, will begin its second phase of reopening on Friday, June 12.
Governor Northam made the announcement on June 9, citing the region’s continued downward (positive) trend in key health metrics.
While this second phase eases some restrictions, the Forward Virginia plan still emphasizes that residents stay home and telework if possible, practice social distancing, and follow the mandatory face coverings guidance inside public places.
The second phase of the reopening plan further eases restrictions on restaurants, exercise facilities, and swimming pools These businesses and facilities will be allowed to serve a limited number of customers indoors with continued public health precautions.
Phase Two Guidelines
Under Phase Two, the maximum number of people allowed in social gatherings will increase from 10 to 50.
Restaurants
These businesses, including breweries and wineries, can serve diners indoors and outdoors at 50% of their lowest allowed occupancy. Bar and gathering areas must remain closed and tables must be spaced at least six feet apart. The maximum number of diners per party is limited to 50 people or less whether seated together or at separate tables. These businesses also must continue to follow Fairfax County’s location and operational conditions if serving customers outdoors.
Exercise Facilities
Gyms, recreation centers, and sports centers may open indoor areas at 30% of their lowest allowed occupancy. Customers must be screened for COVID–19 symptoms before allowed inside, including whether they have a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher. Fitness equipment must be spaced at least 10 feet apart and personal trainers. instructors, and exercise class participants must stay 10 feet apart from each other.
Pools
Indoor and outdoor pools may reopen for lap swimming, exercise, diving and instruction. Swimmers must be screened for coronavirus symptoms before entering. Only three people are allowed per lane to swim laps and no more than three people are allowed in diving areas at the same time. Swimmers and divers must and stay 10 feet apart, including during exercise classes or instruction sessions.
Entertainment
Outdoor theaters, concert venues, outdoor and drive-in movie theaters, zoos, and botanical gardens may reopen at 50% of their lowest capacity or a maximum of 50 people. Performers and audience members must stay 10 feet away from each other, and cars must be parked six feet from each other at drive-ins. Indoor entertainment and amusement businesses remain closed, including museums, movie theaters, concert venues, bowling alleys, trampoline parks, and arcades.
Personal Care
Beauty salons, barbers, spas, massage centers, tanning salons and tattoo shops continue to remain limited to 50% of their normal capacity as specified under Phase One. Customers must make appointments to come in, and both customers and employees are required to wear face coverings.
Retail
The requirements for non-essential retail shops remain largely the same as during Phase One. They may reopen at 50% capacity.
Businesses should consult Virginia’s mandatory and recommended requirements for more specifics.
Religious Services
The guidelines for religious services will largely remain the same with occupancy limited to 50% capacity.
County Government Services
Residents should continue to take advantage of Fairfax County’s virtual services offered online or by phone. As in Phase One, most County buildings will remain closed for in-person services and programs.
Face Coverings Required
Face coverings are still required inside public places. However, face coverings are not required when eating and drinking or exercising. For questions or concerns about this mandate, residents should contact the Virginia Department of Health at 1-877-ASK-VDH3 (275-8343).
Reporting Reopening Concerns
To report concerns or potential violations of the guidelines for businesses, call the County’s public safety non-emergency number at 703-691-2131, TTY 711. A cross-agency, cross-discipline system is in place to triage and handle complaints, with a focus on education, awareness, and seeking voluntary compliance.