Citing a continued drop in the number of covid-19 cases being reported, and an increase in the number of people being vaccinated for covid-19, Gov. Ralph Northam today eased some of the related restrictions on restaurants and outdoor gatherings.
Starting Monday, March 1, the cutoff time for alcohol sales in bars and restaurants changed from 10 p.m. to midnight.
The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering will increase from 10 to 25 people for outdoor settings. A 10-person limit on indoor gatherings remains in place.
Outdoor entertainment and public amusement venues will be able to operate with up to 1,000 individuals or at 30 percent capacity, whichever is lower.
Indoor entertainment and public amusement venues must continue to operate at 30 percent capacity with a cap of 250 people. All entertainment venues were previously limited to a maximum of 250 individuals.
All restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms still must be closed between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
Northam started his news conference by noting that covid-19 cases are falling and vaccinations are rising statewide. And with vaccine supplies back on track after they were held up recently by the weather, he added: “This is a big week… for getting shots in the arm.”
The governor also noted that a third, one-shot vaccine from Johnson & Johnson should be approved and available soon, increasing the vaccine doses available for residents.
While there is still some confusion about the state’s new pre-registration process – and questions about access to the vaccine in some communities – Northam said almost half a million Virginians have pre-registered since the new system went online last week.
The Virginia Department of Health said today that 23 new cases of covid-19 were reported in Hampton. Since the pandemic began almost a year ago there have been 8,498 cases reported. Statewide, there were 1,907 new cases reported today, and 568,946 cases since the pandemic began.
The health department said 16.1% of those who were tested for covid-19 in Hampton have tested positive. Statewide, the positivity rate is 8%.
Officials urge residents to continue practicing social distancing, wearing masks and washing their hands regularly to avoid spreading covid. You can get more information on cases, the latest testing results, and the covid-19 vaccine by visiting the Virginia Department of Health website.
Citing a continued drop in the number of covid-19 cases being reported, and an increase in the number of people being vaccinated for covid-19, Gov. Ralph Northam today eased some of the related restrictions on restaurants and outdoor gatherings.
