Businesses

As businesses continue to reopen, individuals should think about the risk of visiting different public settings. When deciding whether to go out, individuals should consider factors that impact the risk of COVID-19 transmission in a certain location, including how closely and for how long you will interact with people, the number of different people with whom you will interact, how well an area is ventilated, and whether other people will be wearing face coverings. Your own ability to wear a face covering and risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19 may be important considerations as well.

Relative Risk Levels for Business Settings:

Lower Risk:

  • Services are only provided in a virtual or online format
  • Food service is limited to drive-through, delivery, take-out, or curb-side pickup
  • Face coverings are worn by all staff and patrons

Moderate Risk:

  • Occupancy is limited, outdoor seating is available
  • There is space to provide minimal contact between persons
  • Face coverings are worn by all staff and patrons
  • Frequently touched surfaces are regularly cleaned
  • There is limited use of shared objects
  • Opportunities for gathering (at bars, gaming tables, museum exhibits, etc.) are limited

Higher Risk:

  • Business is operating indoors and at higher capacity
  • Physical distancing recommendations are not observed
  • Sharing objects is permitted
  • Persons are not wearing cloth face coverings

Phase Three Guidance

Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 67 and Order of Public Health Emergency Seven, which outlines the Phase Three easing of certain temporary restrictions due to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This order is in effect as of July 1, 2020. Supplemental Guidelines for All Business Sectors outlines the guidance for all business sectors as well as for Social Gatherings, Restaurant and Beverage Services, Farmers Markets, Brick and Mortar Retail Businesses, Fitness and Exercise Facilities, Swimming Pools, Recreational Sports, Personal Care and Personal Grooming Services, Campgrounds and Overnight Summer Camps, Entertainment and Public Amusement, Religious Services, Horse and Other Livestock Shows, Horse Racing Racetracks, and Outdoor Speedways.  Guidelines in Spanish can be found here.

All public and private in-person gatherings of more than 250 individuals remain prohibited in Phase Three.

Phase Two Guidance

Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 65 and Order of Public Health Emergency Six, which outlines the Phase Two easing of certain temporary restrictions due to novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  This order goes into effect on June 5, 2020, with the exception of the Northern Virginia Region and the City of Richmond.  Supplemental Guidelines for All Business Sectors outlines the guidance for all business sectors as well as for Social Gatherings, Restaurant and Beverage Services, Farmers Markets, Brick and Mortar Retail Businesses, Fitness and Exercise Facilities, Swimming Pools, Recreational Sports, Personal Care and Personal Grooming Services, Campgrounds, and Indoor Shooting Ranges.

All public and private in-person gatherings of more than 50 individuals remain prohibited in Phase Two.

Phase One Guidance

Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 61 and Order of Public Health Emergency Three, which outlines the Phase One easing of certain temporary restrictions due to novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  This order goes into effect on May 15, 2020, with the exception of several localities, including the Northern Virginia Region, the City of Richmond, and Accomack County, which have requested a delay.  Supplemental Guidelines for All Business Sectors outlines the guidance for all business sectors as well as for Food Establishments, Farmers Markets, Brick and Mortar Retail Businesses, Fitness and Exercise Facilities, Personal Care and Personal Grooming Services, Campgrounds, and Indoor Shooting Ranges.

All public and private in-person gatherings of more than 10 individuals remain prohibited in Phase One.