By Carol Vaughn —
Accomack County will enter Phase 1 of reopening Friday, under the state’s Forward Virginia plan to ease public health restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All of Virginia will operate under Phase One starting Friday, including Northern Virginia, the City of Richmond, and Accomack County,” Gov. Ralph Northam said in a Facebook post Wednesday afternoon.
“As we move forward thoughtfully and deliberately, we all must stay vigilant—following the guidelines, wearing masks inside, and looking out for each other,” he said.
Accomack County, along with Northern Virginia localities and the city of Richmond, earlier in May asked to delay entering Phase 1 with the rest of the state for two weeks, until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, May 28.
The Accomack County Board of Supervisors voted 5-4 in a special meeting to ask the governor for the special consideration, similar to what was granted to Northern Virginia.
Accomack County Administrator Mike Mason wrote in the county’s request that Accomack’s COVID-19 case data align more closely “with localities in Northern Virginia, an area that you have allowed to remain in Phase Zero until May 29, 2020.”
Mason said the two-week delay would give the county time to review data to determine whether “it is indeed ready to take further steps to reopen.”
The delay also affected incorporated towns in Accomack County, notably Chincoteague, which remained under Phase 0 restrictions over Memorial Day Weekend.
As of Wednesday, Accomack County reported 780 COVID-19 cases, 42 hospitalizations, and 12 deaths.
The Eastern Shore Health District, which includes Accomack and Northampton counties, reported 3,425 PCR tests done, with a 13.4% 7-day positivity rate.
Of the total number of cases, 617, and 49 among healthcare workers, are associated with nine outbreaks on the Eastern Shore, including four at long-term care facilities and five at congregate settings, which include Accomack’s two poultry processing facilities and other settings.
Accomack has the fourth highest case rate per 100,000 population in the state, at 2,407, behind Richmond County, Buckingham County, and Manassas City.
Changes under Phase 1 include that restaurants, along with takeout and delivery, may offer outdoor seating at 50% capacity; and places of worship may open for inside services at 50% capacity.
Additionally, non-essential retail businesses, which had been limited to 10 customers at a time in Phase 0, now may open at 50% capacity.
FItness and exercise facilities, which were closed under Phase 0, may offer outdoor fitness classes under Phase 1.
Additionally, personal grooming services may operate with one customer per provider.
Campgrounds may begin taking reservations for short-term (14 days or less) stays under the guidelines.
Virginia’s metrics for moving into Phase 1 included four items: a downward trend in percentage of positive COVID-19 tests over 14 days; a downward trend in hospitalizations over 14 days; enough hospital beds and intensive care capacity; and a sustainable supply of personal protective equipment.
