Northam: Limit gatherings to 10 or fewer

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam this morning urged Virginians to avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people, per federal guidelines, in order to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“Everyone must play a role to help flatten the curve and mitigate the spread of this virus, and that starts with social distancing,” he said. “We know this will be a hardship for many businesses, and we are assisting workers affected by closures. Public health relies on every individual using common sense and making responsible decisions. We can and will get through this difficult time. But we must work together to do so.”

Northam urged those 65 and older and anyone with chronic health conditions to self-quarantine and encouraged neighbors and friends to stay in touch and regularly check in with anyone considered to be high risk.

Northam also mandated that all restaurants, fitness centers and theaters significantly reduce their capacity to 10 patrons or close. He encouraged restaurants to continue carry-out and takeaway options, and many locally have done so.

Northam has directed the Commissioner of the Virginia Employment Commission to waive the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits to ensure workers can receive benefits quickly.

Workers may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits if an employer needs to temporarily slow or cease operations due to COVID-19. If a worker has been issued a notice to self-quarantine by a medical or public health official and is not receiving paid sick or medical leave from the employer, that person may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits.

In addition, a worker may be eligible for unemployment benefits if he or she must stay home to care for an ill family member and is not receiving paid family medical leave from their employer.

Northam also has directed that extra flexibility regarding deadlines, work search requirements and mandatory re-employment appointments be given to anyone who is receiving unemployment assistance.

Regional workforce teams will be activated to support employers that slow or cease operations. Employers who do slow or cease operations will not be financially penalized for an increase in workers requesting unemployment benefits.

Northam also is authorizing rapid response funding, through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, for employers eligible to remain open during this emergency. Funds may be used to clean facilities and support emergency needs.

The Virginia DMV’s 75 offices and mobile units are now closed to the public, but online services remain available.

For those who cannot renew online, or whose license or registration expires before May 15, DMV will grant a 60-day extension.

The Supreme Court of Virginia has granted a judicial emergency in response to COVID-19. Through April 6, non-essential, non-emergency court proceedings in all district and circuit courts are suspended, with only specific exceptions. That includes a prohibition on new eviction cases for tenants who are unable to pay rent as a result of COVID-19. All non-exempted court deadlines are extended for a period of 21 days.

And the State Corporation Commission has ordered that all electric, natural gas and water companies in Virginia suspend service disconnections for 60 days to provide immediate relief for any customer, residential or business, financially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.