VIRGINIA (WRIC / AP) – United States governors tighten restrictions on COVID-19 as coronavirus cases continue to rise – US deaths from the virus are on average more than 1,100 per day , an increase of more than 50% compared to the beginning of October. Heads of state are increasing restrictions over fears the virus could worsen due to holiday trips and family reunions during Thanksgiving. If you need to travel within the state or beyond, check out our list of guidelines for the states surrounding Virginia before you hit the road. VIRGINIA Public and Private Gathering Reduction: All in-person public and private gatherings should be limited to 25 people, up from 250 people currently. This includes exterior and interior settings. Mask Mandate Extension: All Virginians aged 5 and over are required to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces. This expands the current mandate for face masks, which has been in place in Virginia since May 29, and requires all people aged 10 and over to wear a face mask in indoor public places. Enhanced application in essential retail: all Essential retail businesses, including grocery stores and pharmacies, must adhere to statewide guidelines for physical distancing, wearing of face covers, and improved cleaning. While some key retail businesses have been required to comply with these regulations as a best practice, violations will now be enforceable by the Virginia Department of Health as a class one misdemeanor. On-site alcohol curfew: The sale, consumption and possession of alcohol on-site is prohibited after 10 p.m. in any restaurant, food service establishment, food court, brewery, microbrewery, distillery, cellar or hall. tasting. All restaurants, food establishments, food courts, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries and tasting rooms must close at midnight. Virginia law does not distinguish between restaurants and bars, however, under current restrictions, people who choose to consume alcohol before 10 p.m. must be served as in a restaurant and remain seated at tables. six feet apart. KENTUCKY Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is expected to announce new statewide measures to fight COVID-19 on November 18. The mandate of the mask is in place. 11 am curfew or “last call” in place for bars and restaurants. TENNESSEE Face covers are strongly encouraged. Bars, bars, nightclubs and limited-service restaurants should accommodate tables and parties at least 6 feet apart and limit gatherings of unseated people. MARYLAND bars and restaurants must cease all food service after 10 p.m., but take-out and delivery services will still be permitted. Retail stores, religious institutions and gymnasiums must limit their capacity to 50%, in a return to phase two levels. Indoor operations of bars and restaurants will be reduced by 75-50%. Restaurants in WASHINGTON, DC are open for alfresco dining and dining at 50% capacity. Bars are only open for seats without the presence of a bartender. Tables are limited to six people. Travel conditions are in place for anyone traveling to DC, except visitors to Maryland and Virginia, those staying in DC less than 24 hours, or those traveling to DC for essential work. NORTH CAROLINA Governor Roy Cooper is tightening restrictions on gatherings in the state. The limit for indoor gatherings is now 10 people. North Carolina will also remain in phase three until at least December 4, under the latest executive order. WEST VIRGINIA Persons inside public and private buildings in West Virginia should wear a face shield. Only residences are exempt, as are disabled people and children under 9 years old. Private business owners must enforce the rules for wearing masks in their establishments. Masks can only be removed for eating and drinking. According to our sister station WOWK, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has ordered all public and private schools in West Virginia to close from Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, through Wednesday, December 2. PENNSYLVANIA New restrictions come into effect Friday, November 21 A new ordinance will require you to wear masks indoors and outdoors when away from home. Masks will also be needed outside if you cannot stay six feet from each other at all times. A traveler rest order goes into effect Friday, November 20, which will require those traveling to Pennsylvania to another state to test negative within a 72-hour window before entering the state. Without this test, a quarantine of two weeks will be necessary. DELAWARE New restrictions will come into effect at 8 a.m. on Monday, November 23 Indoor gatherings in homes must be capped at a maximum of 10 people Indoor gatherings outside homes must be limited to 30% of the capacity of declared fire of the site, up to a maximum of 10 people. cap for 50 people. This includes all events, such as weddings, funerals, services in places of worship, performances, political rallies, and events in public spaces, including fire stations. Outdoor public gatherings are limited to 50 people. Up to 250 may be licensed with a plan approved by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). Restaurants should not operate at more than 30% of their fire capacity indoors, with allowances for additional outdoor seating. Gov. Carney’s order will also ban Delaware youth sports organizations, teams, and venues from hosting or participating in tournaments with out-of-state teams, starting at 8 morning hours Tuesday, December 1. The ordinance includes a provision prohibiting Delaware teams from traveling across states for tournaments. Tool lets people calculate COVID-19 risk of attending Thanksgiving NEW JERSEY New restrictions take effect Monday, November 23. Indoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people. Outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 150 people. Gov. Phil Murphy said some indoor gatherings could continue under current rules – limited to 25% of a venue’s capacity, up to 150 people : Religious Services / Celebrations & Political Events Weddings Funerals / Memorial Services Performance New Jersey Counties and Municipalities May Order 8pm Curfews on Nonessential Businesses to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Safely During the Pandemic of COVID-19 Virginia College Students Soon To Leave Campus For Thanksgiving Vacation – Here’s How Schools Are Handling COVID-19 Risk As States Impose New Social Restrictions, Families Weigh Options To Celebrate Thanksgiving Tool Allows for people to calculate the COVID-19 risk of attending Thanksgiving.
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