Virus: No more than 10 in one place

Tuesday morning, Gov. Ralph Northam told Virginians to avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people as part of efforts to combat the COVID-19 coronavirus.

This “does not include normal operations at essential services such as manufacturers, distribution centers, airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, grocery stores or pharmacies,” according to a press release.

Other measures Northam announced include:

• Those with chronic health conditions or aged 65 or older should self-quarantine. Northam encouraged neighbors and friends to stay in touch and regularly check in with high-risk individuals.

• All restaurants, fitness centers and theaters are mandated to significantly reduce their capacity to 10 patrons, or close. Restaurants are encouraged to continue carry-out and takeaway options.

NO EXCEPTIONS

Tuesday night, Northam’s directive became a legally enforceable order and public health emergency declaration from the governor and the state health commissioner.

The order “restricts the number of patrons allowed in permitted restaurants to 10 patrons or less” and states that “observations of 10 or more patrons in a restaurant, fitness center, or theater may result in immediate operation permit suspension” by a district health director.

Also, violation of an emergency order can be punished as a Class 1 or Class 3 misdemeanor depending on the circumstances.

PREVIOUS GUIDANCE

Sunday, Northam announced a statewide ban on non-essential public events, meetings and gatherings of more than 100 people in a single room or space.

Also Sunday, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance recommending that for the next eight weeks, “organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.”

The CDC recommendation did not apply to the day-to-day operation of organizations such as schools, colleges or businesses, it stated.

For updated information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.