Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer is calling on local businesses and residents to adhere to Governor Northam's Executive Order banning all public and private gatherings of more than 10 people and strictly adhering to social distancing practices. "While it has been encouraging to see more people following the guidelines, we need everyone to practice these basic measures to stop the spread of COVID-19," said Mayor Dyer. "The best advice is to just stay home if at all possible. However, if you must go out, it doesn't matter whether you are walking along the boardwalk, standing in line for food at a restaurant or shopping inside a home improvement store. Do not congregate in groups and keep six feet away from other people. It is as simple--and as important--as that if we are going to contain the outbreak."
According to the Virginia Department of Health, there are 49 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Virginia Beach. The City is asking businesses to comply by establishing measures that require social distancing inside and outside, like in lines. Local residents can report non-conforming businesses or groups with more than 10 people that will not disperse to 311 or 385-5000.
Businesses in violation of Governor Northam's Executive Order may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which in punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. "The impacts of the coronavirus have already been devastating to many businesses and residents, so the last thing we want to do is start issuing fines to businesses or people who won't do their part, which is why we are first seeking voluntary compliance," said Mayor Dyer.
For the latest information, please visit emergency.vbgov.com/coronavirus and follow us on facebook.com/CityofVaBeach, twitter.com/CityofVaBeach and instagram.com/cityofvabeach.