At a news conference this afternoon, Gov. Ralph Northam outlined the guidelines for the first phase of reopening Virginia's economy, scheduled to start Friday, May 15.
The full listing of the guidelines for businesses such as retail, restaurants, salons and gyms is available at https://www.virginia.gov/.
Some of the guidelines include allowing non-essential retail stores to operate at 50% capacity, up from the no more than 10 customers at a time rule. Restaurants will be allowed to open up outdoor seating areas, also at a 50% capacity, while staying with take out and delivery
Amusement and entertainment venues will remain closed. Gyms will be allowed to hold outdoor classes and activities.
Houses of worship will be allowed to hold indoor services at 50% capacity. Hair salons will be allowed to reopen with the following guidelines: maintaining six-foot social distancing, requiring face coverings, and requiring appointments.
The Governor says Phase I will continue for at least two weeks before deciding whether to move on to the next phase. He says health data and metrics will be the determining factor.
Hospital capacity and PPE supplies are stable and testing in Virginia has increased to more than 6,000 per day and should be about 10,000 per day next week.
However, if there is a surge of cases, Northam says restrictions will have to be reinstated.
Northam cautioned that this doesn't mean coronavirus is over.
"The virus is still here," Northam said. "There is no vaccine. There is no cure. We will have to live with this virus for months, if not into next year. Do not let your guard down."
The governor asks everyone to continue to maintain social distancing, hand washing and to wear face coverings in public.
More on this story from our media partner, ABC 13 - WSET.