PURCELLVILLE, Va., May 14, 2020 — Friday, May 8, 2020, Governor Northam issued Executive Order Sixty One, which allows for the entrance of Virginia into Phase One of the “Forward Virginia” plan to safely and gradually ease public health restrictions while containing the spread of COVID-19, which is scheduled to take effect tomorrow, May 15, 2020 at 12.a.m. for the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order Sixty Two, which delays the easing of the temporary restrictions due to COVID-19 beginning on Friday, May 29, 2020, at 12 a.m. for the Northern Virginia Region.
In Executive Order 62, Governor Northam states, “I grant the Northern Virginia Region’s request to remain in Phase Zero” and references the “counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William, and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, as well as the Towns of Dumfries, Herndon, Leesburg, and Vienna (Northern Virginia Region).” Because the Town of Purcellville was not listed, the Town Council has asked the Governor’s Office to clarify whether Purcellville is subject to this Order. It is the opinion of Loudoun County and its Health Director that the Town of Purcellville’s location within Loudoun County causes it to be subject to the Governor’s Order to remain in Phase Zero. It should be noted that Loudoun County has the authority to cite businesses that violate an Executive Order to which they are subject.
We acknowledge the possible confusion that this issue may cause, and we ask for your patience as we await an official response from the Governor’s Office to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. We will provide additional information as soon as is it available.
As is stands, the issuance of Executive Order Sixty Two means that the current restrictions regarding closures of non-essential businesses, entertainment venues, and the banning of both public and private social gatherings of more than 10 individuals are still in effect. Restaurants may still provide take-out or delivery options for food. Social distancing and the wearing of cloth mask face coverings is still encouraged, along with frequent sanitizing and hand washing.
The full text of Executive Order Sixty Two can be found here.
