On March 30, Governor Ralph Northam issued a Stay at Home Order (Executive Order 55) requiring all Virginians to stay home, with a few exceptions. Individuals are allowed to travel for essential services only, which includes going to the grocery store, picking up medication, caring for sick family members, and picking up items from restaurants and other essential retailers. The order goes into effect immediately and remains in place until June 10, 2020. Additionally, all higher education institutions are required to stop all in-person classes and instruction, and all Virginia beaches are closed except for fishing and exercise.

“We are in a public health crisis, and we need everyone to take this seriously and act responsibly,” said Governor Northam. “Our message to Virginians is clear: stay home. We know this virus spreads primarily through human-to-human contact, and that’s why it’s so important that people follow this order and practice social distancing. I’m deeply grateful to everyone for their cooperation during this unprecedented and difficult time.”

EO 55 serves to reinforce the guidelines previously outlined in EO 53, which places restrictions on the following three categories of businesses:

1. Recreational and entertainment businesses, like bowling alleys and movie theaters, must close;
2. Restaurants and other businesses providing food and beverage services, like breweries and wineries, may only offer takeout and delivery services, as long as they are able to comply with social distancing and hygiene requirements; and
3. Non-essential brick and mortar stores may stay open as long as they restrict their stores to 10 patrons or less, not including staff, and comply with social distancing recommendations.

Professional businesses not listed above must utilize telework as much as possible. Where telework is not feasible, such businesses must adhere to social distancing recommendations, enhanced sanitizing procedures, and apply relevant workplace guidance from state and federal authorities, including CDC, OSHA, and the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.

All businesses deemed essential, and guidelines for operating during the pandemic can be found in Executive Order 55 and Executive Order 53. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce will continue to update the COVID-19 Resource Center as more information and resources become available to the business community.