Governor Northam's COVID-19 Briefing – 6/23/2020

Governor Northam plans for Virginia to move into Phase 3 on July 1.
- As of right now, this includes the City of Richmond and Northern Virginia.

Before moving into Phase 3, we must work to change the disproportionate impact that the pandemic is having on Black and Latino communities.
Governor Northam is planning to move into Phase 3 next week, on Wednesday, July 1.
- Virginia will have been in Phase 2 for around 3 weeks.

Everyone is still safer at home, especially if they, or a member of their family, are in a vulnerable population.
Use of face coverings when indoors is still required by Executive Order 63 and Order of Public Health Emergency Five.
Teleworking is still strongly encouraged for anyone who is able.
Physical distancing is still strongly encouraged in all public places.
Social gatherings can now include up to 250 people.
The capacity limit on non-essential retail will be lifted.
Occupancy limits on restaurants will also be lifted, but physical distancing measures will still be required.
Museums, zoos, and other outdoor venues can open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 1000 people.
Gyms and fitness centers may open at 75% capacity.
Personal grooming services will still need to follow physical distancing measures.
Childcare facilities may be open.
Overnight camps must remain closed.
Recreational sports can continue, with physical distancing measures.
Swimming pools can open at 75% capacity, and social distancing measures for those both in and out of the pool.

VDH has put out guidance for long term care facilities, which is available on gov
Governor Northam has directed $246 million (mostly from the CARES Act) to support long term care facilities.
- $152 million from Provider Relief Fund will go directly to individual facilities.
- This funding will help to address staffing shortages, infection control measures, PPE purchases, and new periodic testing requirements.
Governor Northam has directed the VDH to release the names of long term care facilities in outbreak reports, in order to provide more clarity to families of long term care residents.
- The Governor stated that Virginia law is unclear on the subject of release of certain health information by both persons and entities, and expressed his desire to work with members of the General Assembly to fix and further clarify this section of the law.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Agriculture and Forestry Industry Development Fund grants will be available for proposals.
- These grants will help agriculture and forestry businesses with COVID-19 response related costs.

VDH has hired close to 1,000 contact tracers to support increased testing capacity.
The rate of people hospitalized with a positive or pending COVID-19 test has continued to trend downward.
Between 8,000 and 12,000 tests have been administered per day since June 2.
Percent positivity rate is now at 6.2%.
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities continue to support stable access to PPE.
The state has distributed 38 shipments of PPE to local jurisdictions, assisted living, and higher education facilities.
The Reform Alliance has donated 170,000 masks to Virginia, which are being distributed to jails and correctional facilities.
12 different PPE contracts ensure a diverse and dependable PPE supply chain in Virginia.