Northam extends order to keep certain businesses closed through May 8

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam April 15 announced that he was extending by two weeks his order banning crowds of more than 10 people and closing a number of businesses in the state.

Executive Order 53, originally signed on March 24, closed recreation, entertainment and personal care businesses; and limited restaurants to offering takeout and delivery services only.

“As we have seen from our data and models, social distancing is working, and we are slowing the spread of this virus,” said Northam. “But it is too early to let up. By extending this order to keep certain businesses closed or restricted, we can continue to evaluate the situation and plan for how to eventually ease restrictions so that our businesses may operate without endangering public health.”

Northam’s Executive Order 55, which directs Virginians to stay home unless they must leave for essential services, remains in effect until June 10.

For details about state efforts to address COVID-19 and its impacts, visit http://virginia.gov/coronavirus.