Heather Curtis

WMAL.com

WASHINGTON (WMAL) – Northern Virginians are getting more freedom Friday as the region moves into Phase Two of reopening.

Gov. Ralph Northam said at a press conference Thursday the metrics for the state are looking good. He said the number of new cases has been trending downward since May. The percentage of COVID-19 tests coming back positive state-wide was down to 8.9% at the beginning of this week compared to more than 20% at the peak. The number of deaths has also decreased over the last few weeks according to Northam. While other parts of the country have started to see spikes in cases as they reopen, Northam said that is not the case in Virginia.

Hard-hit Northern Virginia and Richmond move into Phase II two a week after the rest of the state.

Here is what is new in Phase Two:

-The maximum number of people permitted in a social gathering will increase from 10 to 50.

-Restaurants may offer indoor dining at 50% occupancy.

-People can workout inside gyms, which are permitted to open at 30 percent capacity.

-Museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and outdoor concert, sporting, and performing arts venues can also reopen with restrictions.

-Indoor and outdoor pools can reopen for exercise, diving, and swim instruction.

Here is what has not changed in Phase Two:

-The current guidelines for religious services, non-essential retail, and personal grooming services will largely remain the same. Read more here.

-Overnight summer camps, most indoor entertainment venues, amusement parks, fairs, and carnivals will remain closed in Phase Two.

-All businesses should still adhere to physical distancing guidelines, frequently clean and sanitize high contact surfaces, and continue enhanced workplace safety measures.

Even though restrictions are loosening across the state, Northam cautioned people not to let their guards down.

“It’s not smart to act like the virus has been eradicated because it has not. It is still here. It is still dangerous, and we must continue to be cautious,” Northam said.

He advised people to continue to wear masks, wash hands frequently and practice social distancing where possible.

Northam said anyone who attended protests in the wake of George Floyd’s killing while in police custody should get tested.

Copyright 2020 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. PHOTO: Gov. Ralph Northam Twitter