Governor Northam to ease restrictions in Hampton Roads

RICHMOND, Va., (WSET) -- Governor Ralph Northam announced that due to significant improved health metrics in the Eastern Region, localities in Hampton Roads will join the rest of the Commonwealth in Phase Three of 'Forward Virginia'.

"Hampton Roads residents, businesses, and health officials have worked together to reduce the spread of COVID-19," said Governor Northam. "New cases have dropped by more than half, hospitalizations have declined, and percent positivity has fallen below the statewide average."

The region's targeted COVID-19 restrictions went into effect nearly six weeks ago on July 31 and included a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people, a reduction in indoor dining to 50 percent capacity, and a requirement that restaurants close at midnight and stop the sale of alcohol after 10:00 P.M.

The impacted localities include cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Williamsburg, Newport News, Poquoson, James City County, and York County.

The full text of amended Executive Order Sixty-Seven and Order of Public Health Emergency is available here.