Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said in a Thursday press conference that the state's public beaches will be allowed to reopen beginning Friday, May 29.
Northam previously allowed Virginia Beach's beaches to reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend, citing the city's beaches as an important part of the state's economy.
Hampton and Norfolk both submitted reopening proposals to the governor's office last week.
As part of the reopening plans, social distancing will be required at all public beaches. New guidelines were also announced, including no large gatherings, no tents, no alcohol and no group sports.
The stay-at-home order is also being revised to allow NASCAR races and similar racing events to take place in the state. The events will be single-day and operate under strict guidelines, including that they will be closed to the public with no spectators allowed.
The first of these new races will take place in Martinsville June 10. Northam's office said that because these are not open events, there is little risk to allow racers to go forward with restrictions.
This is a developing story.
