Virginia Stay At Home Orders

On March 23, 2020, Governor Northam issued an order limiting public gatherings and events to 10 or fewer people and encouraging social distancing. The order went into effect at 11:59 PM on March 24 and currently remains in place until April 23, 2020. Under the order, recreational and entertainment businesses must close, and restaurants and other restaurants providing food and beverage services may only offer take-out and delivery. Other businesses that remain open must utilize telework as much as possible and otherwise adhere to social distancing recommendations, enhanced sanitizing procedures, and apply relevant workplace guidance from state and federal authorities, including CDC, OSHA, and the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. As such, construction continues and contractors may continue their operations both in the field and at the office as long as they follow those guidelines.

On March 30, the Governor issued an order that required all individuals in Virginia to remain at home unless engaged in permissible activity such as seeking food, medical attention, or permissible travel subject to social distancing requirements. Permissible travel includes traveling to and from one’s place of work. The March 30 order also extended the duration of the above restrictions to June 10, 2020. The new order did not articulate any changes to the business closures outlined in the March 23 order, and it appears that, like Maryland, Virginia is permitting construction activities to continue.

Executive Order 55:    Virginia EO-55-Temporary-Stay-at-Home-Order-Due-to-Novel-Coronavirus-(COVID-19)-1

Executive Order 53:    Virginia EO-53-Temporary-Restrictions-Due-To-Novel-Coronavirus-(COVID-19)