As we continue to navigate this unprecedented time, we remain committed to circulating knowledge, and not fear. Therefore, as a follow up to our last memo, giving our interpretation of Virginia Executive Order 53, we will give our best interpretation to Governor Northam’s Executive Order 55, given on March 30, 2020. The order will be in effect from March 30, 2020 to June 10, 2020.
1. Everyone is to stay at home, and whenever you go out, you must maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet. The exceptions from Order 53 remain intact, and in more detail are as follows:
A. Essential businesses may remain open:
1. Stores selling food, beverage, pharmacy products
2. Medical, laboratory (including drug testing), and vision supply retailers
3. Stores selling or servicing cell phones, computers, tablets, and other communication technology
4. Auto parts and repair facilities
5. Home improvement/hardware stores
6. Lawn and garden stores
7. Beer, wine, and liquor stores
8. Gas stations and convenience stores
9. Retail within healthcare facilities
10. Banks and financial institutions
11. Pet and feed stores
12. Printing and office supply stores
13. Laundromats and dry cleaners
B. Going to the doctor, essential government offices, and seeking emergency assistance
C. Care taking for people, animals, or visiting family
D. Travelling for court orders, child custody, visitation, or child care
E. Going outdoors for exercise
F. Going home, going to work, going to your place of worship
G. Going to and from an educational institution. Presumably this is limited to k-12 schools, as all colleges and universities were ordered to cease in-person instruction.
H. Volunteering
I. Reasonable health and safety purposes, or at the direction of a government official.
2. All public and private gatherings are prohibited. This specifically includes parties, celebrations, religious, or other social events; indoors and outdoors. Except:
A. Essential businesses detailed in Executive Order 53 and in Paragraph 1(a) above.
B. Family members in the same home.
3. All colleges and universities must cease in-person instruction. Faculty may still access campuses in order to facilitate online learning.
4. All privately owned campgrounds must cancel overnight stays of less than 14 nights.
5. All public beaches are closed for all activity, except exercising and fishing under social distancing guidelines.
6. All relevant state agencies will continue to work with the homeless population and are to help avoid evictions and foreclosures.
7. Nothing in this order limits medical services; access to essential services for low-income residents; the media; law enforcement; operation of the government.
Any violation of paragraphs 2, 3, 4, and 5 is a Class One Misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. This is in addition to the Misdemeanors set forth in Executive Order 53.
In any and all situations, Social Distancing of 6 feet must be maintained.
If you have any questions about any of this information, please do not hesitate to call us at 757-454-2110 or visit us at www.stepuptobat.com to set up a consultation.
If you want to read the original Order here is a link:
https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/executive-actions/EO-55-Temporary-Stay-at-Home-Order-Due-to-Novel-Coronavirus-(COVID-19).pdf