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Virginia to begin Phase One Friday, Northern Virginia delays reopening 2 weeks

Ralph Northam
Posted at 3:00 PM, May 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-14 07:23:54-04

Governor Northam announced during Wednesday's press conference that most of Virginia will reopen under Phase One starting Friday.

“I feel comfortable in allowing Phase One to begin this Friday for most of our Commonwealth,” Northam said.

Northam says that while most of Virginia will reopen Friday, Northern Virginia's Phase One will be delayed until May 29.

In a memo released Sunday, the Northern Virginia health directors say the region is not meeting important benchmarks, like reducing COVID-19 hospitalizations. As a result, Northam agreed to delay the region to reopen Friday.

Northern Virginia health officials say, the region makes up more than 50% of the state's cases.

During the briefing, the governor states that Virginia is able to move towards Phase One due to a downward trend in coronavirus cases, decline in hospitalizations, and the amount of available PPE.

List of what's open and what isn't in Virginia during Phase One

Starting Monday, 11 DMV locations in seven to eight regions for select services. Northern Virginia locations will not reopen.

Local DMV loctions at the following sites will be open Monday by appointment only:

  • Hampton: 8109 Roanoke Avenue, Hampton, VA 23605-1637, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.
  • Onancock: 20 North Street, Onancock,VA 23417-1920, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Virginia Beach/Buckner: 3551 Buckner Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23453-5101, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.

While Virginia enters into Phase One, Northam says it will not be the same as turning on a light switch.

For a list of what reopens under Phase One, click here.

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