On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the Governor of Virginia signed "Executive Order 53" that orders some non-essential services, including all recreation and entertainment services, to close.
Hair salons, barbers, massage therapists and similar non-essential services who can't feasibly carry out social distancing must close.
The order covers three categories of businesses:
- Recreational and entertainment businesses, like bowling alleys and theaters, which must close their doors by midnight on Tuesday.
- Non-essential retail stores, which are allowed to remain open so long as they can limit patrons to 10 at most, maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet, and follow CDC guidelines on sanitation.
- Restaurants and foodservice establishments, which can remain open for carry-out, curbside pickup, or delivery, but not in-house dining.
Dining and on-site alcohol establishments are allowed to keep operating through delivery and takeout services but must close on-site dining to the public. That includes restaurants, food courts, farmers' markets, breweries, distilleries, vineyards, tasting rooms, and Moose lodges.
This Executive Order shall be effective March 23, 2020, amends Amended Order of the Governor and State Health Commissioner Declaration of Public Health Emergency, Order of Public Health Emergency One, and shall remain in full force and in effect until amended or rescinded by further executive order.
As we go through this stressful time, please continue to be safe. We will make it through this.