Update: July 14th Mask Mandate

In an address on July 14th, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced that he expected businesses to follow and enforce the statewide mask mandate requiring face coverings to be worn in virtually all establishments.

Please be aware, when you enter an establishment that requires a mask, that the business owner is following a state mandate, and their failure to follow this mandate could result in suspension or loss of their business license. Please be respectful of business owners’ decisions. For those who are unable to wear a mask, most businesses offer reasonable accommodations such as curbside service or online shopping. If you are unable to wear a mask, please call ahead to a business to ask about accommodations.

Virginia Reopening Updates & What This Means for Small Businesses

Phase Three: “Safer at Home” Strategy

Updates under Phase Three:

• Most capacity limits lifted on retail, restaurants, and personal grooming locations
• Social gatherings/events capacity limit raised to 250 people
• Maintains social distancing guidelines (6 feet); encourages continued teleworking; continued mask usage; continued sanitizing, cleaning, and safety measures

Please note that, as with Phase II, individual business owners will make their own decisions on when and how to reopen to the public, with the best interests of their staff and customers or patrons in mind. We recommend calling ahead or checking social media before traveling to a business for the most up-to-date information on their open status, hours, policies, and other important details.

If you are a business or worker affected by COVID-related disaster such as decreased revenue, shut-downs, or lay-offs, click here for resources. You can also visit MadeWythePride.org for county-wide resource information.