I just transcribed a fair chunk of Northam’s speech about the new restrictions. I assume other news outlets have done the same by now but I was so deep into it already that I just kept going. Feel free to share this with others—I imagine it will help a lot of people.
“As I said yesterday, we are in this for months, not weeks, so we are taking additional actions to keep Virginians safe. Today I am directing all schools in Virginia to remain closed at least through the end of this academic year. And today I signed Executive Order 53.
Effective at midnight tomorrow, to put additional restrictions on establishments that serve the public. Restaurats can remain open for carry out, curbside, and delivery service only. All recreation and entertainment services such as bowling alleys, theaters, fitness centers, or race tracks must close. Personal care services that cannot adhere to social distancing like barber shops, spas, massage parlors must close. Nonessential retail establishments can remain open if they allow 10 or fewer patrons and adhere to social distancing and increase sanitizing procedures. Essential services like grocery stories, health services, and businesses in our supply chain will remain open but they must adhere to social distancing and increase sanitizing procedures. And gatherings of more than 10 are banned. These measures will be in effect statewide for at least 30 days.
We do not make these decisions lightly. Virginia is one of the country’s largest and most diverse states, but COVID-19 is serious and we must act. Unfortunately the virus does not respect national borders or state borders. It is now everywhere or it will be soon. That is what happens when a global pandemic hits a nation. With this pandemic states have been left to figure out this on our own and I am acting to protect Virginians. It is important to acknowledge that there is no playbook for this. Every action affects people and their livelihoods. We are acting judiciously and with full regard for the consequences.
It is clear that many of our nonessential businesses must close to minimize the spread—the speed at which COVID-19 spreads—and protect the capacity of our healthcare system. The point is to limit the places where people gather in groups.
We will be posting guidance for what is considered essential and what is nonessential on our website. This list is not exhaustive. You can expect it to change.
I want to be clear, essential businesses will remain open. These are things like grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and others. You will still be able to buy food and necessary supplies for you and your family.
I also want to be clear about the expectations for essential businesses that remain open. Social distancing matters everywhere. So essential businesses that remain open have a responsibility to adhere to social distancing recommendations. You need to step up sanitation practices on common surfaces. You can find more workplace guidance from the CDC, OSHA, and the State Department of Labor and Industry. Make no mistake, if you are essential and open, you have a special responsibility to do the right thing.”
His full speech can be found here:
Anyway, this DEFINITELY applies to the amusement industry and it means we are AT LEAST 30 days from a possible BGW reopening today.
It was about the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen in a theme park.
