Governor Northam COVID-19 update briefing – June 2, 2020; addresses protest, Phase 2 starts Friday

Governor Northam joins the Virginia Emergency Support Team to share the latest updates on the COVID-19 response. Here are the highlights:

The Governor began the June 2 briefing by discussing the protests across Virginia. His message to protesters is “I hear you,” and that he pledges to stand with them. Several spoke with the Governor including 70th District Del. Delores McQuinn, Shirley Ginwright with the Virginia African American Advisory Board, and Jim Bibbs, chief human resources officer for the Virginia Port Authority.

The Governor announced most of the state can move into Phase Two of reopening the state this Friday, June 5. He said Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Accomack County will stay in Phase One.

Here are some changes under Phase Two:

• Restaurants can have indoor seating at 50 percent capacity
• Gyms can have indoor classes/ workouts at 30 percent capacity
• Pools can open with some restrictions
• Museums/zoos can open with restrictions
• Recreational sports allowed but there can be no shared equipment
• Gatherings limited to 50 people rather than 10