Virginia’s COVID-19 related restrictions will loosen in May with the promise of more being lifted in June.
Gov. Ralph Northam on Thursday announced that sports and entertainment venues in the state can begin to operate with expanded capacity on Saturday, May 15. The announcement comes as vaccinations numbers continue to increase with more than half of all adults in the commonwealth having received at least one dose. All Virginians age 16 and older are now eligible to for a vaccine.
“It’s good news that half of all adults in Virginia have gotten a shot so far,” Northam said. “Vaccination numbers are up, and our COVID-19 case numbers are substantially lower than they were earlier this year. So, we have been able to begin easing some mitigation measures. We took a few more targeted steps this week, and we will do more next month.”
The governor said he was optimistic more loosening of restrictions could occur in June as the state is working to “ramp up vaccinations even further.” He noted that social distancing and mask mandates need to continue.
“It’s how we take care of one another,” Northam said.
Those who have been fully vaccinated don’t have to quarantine after exposure to the coronavirus. However, the state will continue to mandate mask-wearing and social distancing even as restrictions are eased.
Changes coming in May include an increase in the number of people permitted at social gatherings from 50 indoors and 100 outdoors to 100 indoors and 250 outdoors.
Indoor entertainment and public amusement venues have been limited to 30 percent capacity or 500 people. In May that will increase to 50 percent capacity or 1,000 people. Outdoor venues will also have a 50 percent capacity cap with no specific number of attendees.
More spectators will also be allowed at sporting events. Currently, indoors, the limit is 100 attendees. On May 15 that will increase to 250 spectators or 50 percent capacity, whichever is less. Outdoor sporting events will increase from 500 to 1,000 people, or 50 percent capacity, whichever is less.
The changes to the executive order also allow restaurants to return to selling booze after midnight. Dining rooms no longer have to be closed between midnight and 5 a.m.
Earlier in the week, the governor made minor changes to the existing mitigation measures, including increased accommodations for cross-country events, school-based fine arts performances and expanded access to bar seating in restaurants with strict social distancing.
Among the changes is a rule where cross country races may include no more than 100 runners per grouping. Raceways are limited to 30 percent capacity an masking is mandated.
Virginia has now administered more than 5.5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and is currently giving almost 77,000 shots per day. More than 3.5 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, more than half of all adults in Virginia and more than 40 percent of the total population.
Those over the age of 16 can schedule an appointment for vaccination by visiting vaccinate.virginia.gov or calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1).
According to a report from University Business, at least 17 colleges and universities are requiring a vaccination before students can return to campus next fall.
