State reopening guidelines unveiled

As it stands, Gov. Ralph Northam’s virus emergency executive order will keep some businesses closed and other social restrictions in place through May 8.

Meanwhile, the governor Friday unveiled preliminary plans for scaling back the restrictions in coming weeks.

Decisions will be based on the numbers with regard to the spread of COVID-19, he said:

• At least 14 days in which the state’s percentage of positive virus tests declines and the number of hospitalizations declines.

• Ensuring there are enough hospital beds and intensive care capacity to handle emerging and ongoing cases.

• Increasing and sustaining the supply of personal protective equipment for health care workers.

“Businesses know that customers will return only when they feel that it is safe to do so,” Northam said.

Plans and actions include:

• Virginia aims to test at least 10,000 people per day. Expanded testing will include hiring contact tracers, who will support local health departments in identifying individuals who may be exposed to COVID-19 and helping them self-isolate.

• The state’s personal protective equipment pipeline is improving, and hospitals are successfully managing their supplies, according to the governor. Meanwhile, Virginia has ordered 17.4 million N95 masks, 8.3 million surgical masks, 17.1 million gloves, 1.7 million gowns and 1 million face shields.

• Hospitalizations and ICU admissions are largely stable across Virginia, even as case counts continue to rise, Northam said. Thursday, he extended the ban on elective surgeries through May 1 and expanded the ability of physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners with two or more years of clinical experience to practice without a collaborative agreement.

The Virginia Medical Reserve Corps continues to recruit and deploy medical and non-medical volunteers to assist local health departments, hospitals and healthcare providers. As of Friday, the Corps had more than 16,500 trained volunteers, more than halfway to the goal of 30,000.

• The first phase of easing restrictions will begin no sooner than two weeks from last Friday.

“Phase one includes continued social distancing, teleworking, limits on travel and public gatherings, and recommended use of face coverings,” according to the governor’s press release.

The state is developing two sets of guidance for businesses, it stated: “One with broad based recommendations for all businesses, and another with industry specific recommendations for public-facing businesses like restaurants and non-essential retail. The guidance will be provided to businesses in early May.”