May 29 Weekly COVID-19 Update

In times like these, we must remember our greatest resource — hope. We are constantly reminded that injustice does not stop for anyone, which is why we must continue to do our part in elevating the voices of vulnerable communities everywhere.

This week, Governor Northam took several new steps to provide relief to Virginia communities, and I wanted to make sure you had the latest updates:

• Per Executive Order 63 and effective today, all persons aged ten and older are required to wear face coverings inside certain public places. These settings include personal care and grooming businesses, grocery stores, pharmacies, public transportation sites, and local and state government buildings.
• There are exceptions to this Order such as when eating or drinking, exercising, or if you have trouble breathing or removing the mask alone. Please review the full text for more information.
• The Governor announced that Northern Virginia would enter Phase One of the “Forward Virginia” Plan today, May 29th. To access updated guidelines for Phase One, please click here.
• Effective today, public beaches can open for recreational activity in addition to fishing and exercise. There will be strict physical distancing and other restrictions in place such as no gatherings of more than 10 people, no tents, no alcohol, and no group sports.
• The Governor amended Executive Directive Seven, extending the validity of DMV-issued credentials to accommodate Virginians with driver’s licenses, identification cards, and vehicle registrations expiring during the COVID-19 health emergency.
• The validity of driver’s licenses and identification cards expiring on or before July 31, 2020 is now extended 90 days, not to exceed August 31, 2020. Vehicle registrations that expire in March, April, and May are also extended for 90 days, while those expiring in June are extended for 60 days, and those expiring in July are extended for 30 days.

CVS Health will begin offering self-swab tests in the Commonwealth to individuals meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Testing will be scheduled online and take place in Virginia at select CVS Pharmacy locations through the pharmacy drive-thru window; no testing will take place in-store. The details are as follows:

• Location 1: 16712 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Dumfries, VA 22026
• Location 2: 6360 Hoadly Road, Manassas, VA 20112

Finally, through June 30th, eligible new customers can sign up to receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is the nation’s largest, most comprehensive internet adoption program for low-income households. Internet Essentials is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. For more information, visit www.internetessentials.com.

COVID-19 Resources:

• Virginia Department of Health website
• Virginia Department of Social Services website
• “Forward Virginia” Guidelines page
• Prince William County COVID-19 page
• PWC page for Food Pantries
• Stafford County COVID-19 page

If you need constituent services, please contact our office at DelJCarrollFoy@house.virginia.gov.

Please stay safe and healthy.

Thank you,

Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy