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Government responses to and political effects of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 (Virginia)

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Responses by state

Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This article contains coverage of eight kinds of state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The article tracks developments in these areas that took place between the start of the pandemic in March 2020 through Dec. 4, 2020. The government responses covered here include:

Additionally, the article includes:

To view current coverage areas, including mask requirements, school responses, travel restrictions, and much more, click a state in the map below.

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Changes to election dates and procedures, March 16 through November 19

General election changes

Virginia modified its absentee/mail-in voting and candidate filing procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election as follows:

  • Absentee/mail-in voting: Drop-boxes to return absentee and mail-in ballots were used for the general election. The witness requirement for absentee voting was suspended, and all absentee and mail-in ballots had prepaid return postage.
  • Voter registration: The state's voter registration deadline was extended from October 13, 2020, to October 15, 2020.[1]
  • Candidate filing procedures: Petition signature requirements for unaffiliated and minor-party candidates for federal office in Virginia were reduced as follows: 2,500 signatures for presidential candidates; 3,500 signatures for U.S. Senate candidates; and 350 signatures for U.S. House candidates. The filing deadline for unaffiliated and minor-party congressional candidates was extended to August 1.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Primary election changes

Virginia modified its primary election process as follows:

  • Election postponements: The primary election was postponed from June 9 to June 23.
  • Voting procedures: The witness requirement for absentee voting in the primary election was suspended.
  • Political party events: The Democratic Party of Virginia opted to conduct its state convention remotely. The Republican Party of Virginia postponed its 5th Congressional District and 7th Congressional District conventions to June 13 July 18, respectively.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Click the gray bar below for more detailed information.


Statewide stay-at-home order, March 23 through December 4

See also: States with lockdown and stay-at-home orders in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

On March 30, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) issued Executive Order 55, which directed individuals in Virginia to stay home except for essential activities and closed nonessential businesses in the state.[18] The stay-at-home order went into effect immediately and was originally scheduled to last until June 10.

On May 15, the stay-at-home order expired for all parts of the state except Northern Virginia and Richmond and Accomack County, whose entry into Phase One of the reopening plan was delayed to allow more time for those areas to decrease the number of COVID-19 cases.[19] On May 29, the areas of the state still subject to the stay-at-home order moved to Phase One.[20]

Executive Order 55 refers to a list of essential services and activities as outlined in Executive Order 53. Executive Order 53 is embedded below.

Executive orders, March 30 through June 29

See also: Executive orders issued by governors and state agencies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020


Court closures, March 17 through November 4

See also: State court closures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
  • September 28, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court issued an order extending the statewide judicial emergency through October 11. The order continues requirements like face coverings in courthouses. Courts are still encouraged to conduct as much businesses as possible remotely, and jury trials remain prohibited in all but 10 jurisdictions.[21]
  • June 1, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court issued an order, effective June 8, that extended the judicial emergency in the state through June 28. The order also requires everyone entering court facilities to wear masks or face coverings.[22]
  • May 7, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through May 18. Jury trials are suspended until further notice.[23]
  • April 22, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through May 17. Prior to the order, restrictions were set to expire April 26.[24]
  • March 27, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court extended their original order suspending all nonessential and non-emergency court proceedings through April 26.[25]
  • March 16, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court declared a state of judicial emergency and suspended all nonessential and non-emergency court proceedings until April 6.[26]

Legislative session changes, March 20 through October 1

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

The Virginia General Assembly adjourned its regular session on March 12, 2020. A special session convened on August 18, 2020.

Proposed and enacted legislation, March 25 through August 19

See also: State laws in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

See below for a complete list of bills related to the coronavirus pandemic in Virginia. To learn more about a particular bill, click its title. This information is provided by BillTrack50 and LegiScan.

Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies, April 9 through November 24

See also: Changes to rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020


  • September 7, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court declined to grant Gov. Ralph Northam's (D) request to extend the moratorium on evictions, allowing it to expire.[27]
  • Aug 7, 2020: In a 5-3 ruling, the Virginia Supreme Court granted a request by Gov. Ralph Northam (D) to place a moratorium on evictions. The moratorium was set to last through September 7.[28]
  • June 28, 2020: The moratorium on evictions expired June 28.[29]
  • June 22, 2020: Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Lemons issued an order on June 22 that would allow state courts to resume eviction hearings in the state on June 29. A second-order allowed state courts to immediately resume eviction hearings that were not related to nonpayment.[30]
  • June 8, 2020: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced on June 8 that evictions and foreclosures were paused in the state. The announcement followed a letter Northam sent to Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Lemons requesting that the court suspend eviction proceedings due to the coronavirus pandemic. Lemons issued an order on June 8 which was effective through June 28.[31][32][33]
  • April 6, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court issued an order which extended the suspension of new eviction cases for people unable to pay rent due to coronavirus through April 26.[34]
  • March 16, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court suspended new eviction cases for tenants unable to pay rent due to coronavirus through April 6.[35]


Prison inmate release responses, March 30 through July 1

See also: State and local governments that released prison inmates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
  • May 8, 2020: As of May 7, the Virginia Department of Corrections released 130 inmates and approved the early release of an additional 100 inmates due to the coronavirus pandemic.[36]
  • April 29, 2020: The Virginia Department of Corrections announced 62 inmates have been released since the state’s early release program went into effect on April 22. The early release program prioritizes the release of nonviolent offenders with less than a year on their sentences.[37]
  • April 23, 2020: In an April 22 special session of Virginia's General Assembly, lawmakers approved an amendment proposed by Gov. Ralph Northam to allow limited inmate releases due to the coronavirus pandemic. Under the amendment, the Virginia Department of Corrections has the authority to release nonviolent inmates with a year or less left on their sentence. The authority is granted through July 2021.[38] Norfolk county released incarcerated individuals due to coronavirus on the local level.[39]


Debate in Virginia over responses to the coronavirus

See also: Debate in Virginia over responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Ballotpedia is covering the debate over continuing restrictions and closures in Virginia in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Click on the links below to read more about these debates.

Initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures

Virginia released an initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures on May 9, 2020. An analysis of this plan appeared in our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter on May 21. The sections below include an analysis of the plan, the details of the plan, and reactions from officials to the plan.

Summary from Documenting America's Path to Recovery

See also: Documenting America's Path to Recovery: May 21, 2020

On May 9, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) issued Executive Order 61, providing for the first phase of Virginia's reopening effective May 15.

Northam said, "I am proud of the millions of Virginians who have stayed home and helped to flatten the curve, but our work is not done. These guidelines represent one step forward in a gradual process, establishing the necessary modifications to business operations to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure for employees and customers. When we move into this first phase, it will be important for Virginians to act cautiously—especially our most vulnerable populations, the elderly, and those with underlying medical conditions."

On May 12, Northam issued an executive order delaying Phase 1 reopening to May 28 for the following northern Virginia municipalities: the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William; the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park; and the towns of Dumfries, Herndon, Leesburg, and Vienna. On May 14, he issued a similar order for Accomack County and the city of Richmond.

As of May 21, Northam has not provided details on subsequent phases of the state's reopening.

Context

  • On March 23, Northam issued Executive Order 53, which closed, or otherwise limited the operations of, nonessential businesses in Virginia. That order also barred gatherings of more than 10 people and closed K-12 schools for the remainder of the academic year. It was initially set to expire on April 23, but Northam extended it on April 15.
  • On March 30, he issued Executive Order 55, which directed all individuals to stay home unless performing essential tasks. The stay-at-home order was initially set to expire at 11:59 p.m., June 10. Parts of the state that have moved into the first phase of reopening are no longer subject to the order. Parts of the state that have not, however, remain subject to it.
  • As of May 21, Virginia has recorded 34,137 reported cases of COVID-19 (32,428 confirmed and 1,709 probable cases) and 1,099 fatalities (1,064 confirmed and 35 probable fatalities). This amounts to 399.9 reported cases and 12.9 fatalities per 100,000 residents.
  • Virginia is a Democratic trifecta, with a Democratic governor and Democratic majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly.

Plan details

Guidelines for individuals * Individuals from parts of the state that have moved into the first phase of reopening are not required to stay home, although they are still encouraged to do so, particularly if they belong to vulnerable population groups. Individuals in parts of the state that have not advanced to Phase 1 are still directed to remain at home unless performing essential tasks.

  • Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, parties, celebrations, and other social events.

Guidelines for businesses

Northam's executive order establishes guidelines and operating requirements for the following industry groups. Violations are punishable as Class 1 misdemeanors.

Restaurants and other dining establishments (including breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms)

  • 50% capacity.
  • No more than 10 customers seated together as a group.
  • Tables positioned six feet apart.
  • No self-service for food or condiments.
  • Bar seating and other congregant areas closed.
  • Employees in customer-facing areas required to wear face coverings.
  • Cleaning and disinfection of frequently contacted surfaces required every 60 minutes; cleaning of tabletops, chairs, and credit card/bill folders cleaned required between customers.

Religious services

  • 50% capacity.
  • Individuals not belonging to the same family group required to be seated six feet apart.
  • No items to be passed between attendees who do not belong to the same family group.
  • Disposable, single-use items required to distribute food or beverages.
  • Cleaning and disinfection of frequently contacted surfaces required after each service.

Farmers markets

  • Sites organized to avoid congestion and congregation points.
  • Employees and vendors in customer-facing areas required to wear face coverings.
  • Vendors required to supply hand sanitizer or hand-washing stations.
  • Cleaning and disinfection of frequently contacted surfaces required every 60 minutes.

Physical retail establishments

  • 50% capacity.
  • Employees in customer-facing areas required to wear face coverings.

Fitness and exercise facilities

  • Only outdoor fitness classes permitted. Individuals required to keep 10 feet apart.
  • Hot tubs, spas, splash pads, spray pools, and interactive play featured closed.
  • Outdoor swimming pools open for lap swimming only; limited to one person per lane.
  • Employees in customer-facing areas required to wear face coverings.
  • Cleaning and disinfection of shared equipment required after each use.
  • Businesses required to supply hand sanitizer or hand-washing stations.

Personal care and grooming services

  • 50% capacity; workstations positioned six feet apart; one appointment per service provider at a time.
  • Employees in customer-facing areas and clients required to wear face coverings.
  • Cleaning and disinfection of frequently contacted surfaces required every 60 minutes; cleaning of tools required between uses.

Campgrounds

  • Lots positioned 20 feet apart.
  • Employees in customer-facing areas required to wear face coverings.
  • Businesses required to supply hand sanitizer or hand-washing stations.

Indoor shooting ranges

  • 50% capacity; individuals required to keep six feet apart.
  • Employees in customer-facing areas required to wear face coverings.
  • Cleaning and disinfection of frequently contacted surfaces required every 60 minutes; cleaning of shared equipment required between uses.

Reactions

  • House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert (R) criticized Northam's decision to allow some localities to remain subject to the stay-at-home order: "In a matter of hours, and just hours before businesses were set to reopen, Governor Northam has again changed his mind and allowed localities to remain shut down, rather than requiring the regional approach he required after initially refusing requests for the same. This shocking level of inconsistency inspires no confidence in the governor's ability to lead our commonwealth in its hour of need."
  • Falls Church Mayor Dave Tarter supported the governor's decision to delay reopening in northern Virginia: "Based on the latest information from our health directors, the elected leaders of our region have spoken together to request that Governor Northam consider the northern Virginia data separately from the rest of the state. The governor has done so with Executive Order 62, which was issued yesterday. We thank Governor Northam for his willingness to listen and act on our behalf and for recognizing that one size does not fit all when it comes to the complex work of saving lives and livelihood."
  • On May 13, Del. Lamont Bagby (D), chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, sent a letter to Northam urging him to delay Virginia's reopening: "While we understand the valid concerns that non-essential business closure and stay-at-home orders have taken a substantial toll on our Commonwealth's economy, these concerns must be weighed with the substantial negative impacts on many Virginians, especially Black Virginians and Virginians of Color. … Reopening now will not only increase the incidence of COVID-19 exposure to [essential workers], who remain unprotected and ill-supported, but will also increase the negative economic pressures that they are already experiencing. In addition, reopening would add to the number of Virginia workers who are exposed to these unaddressed issues."
  • Nicole Riley, state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, said her group supported the May 15 reopening target date: "Small business owners are telling us they are willing and able to handle social distancing, require face coverings, and take the necessary steps to protect customers and workers."

Coronavirus resources

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

State resources

Twitter feeds for government officials and agencies appear below.

Federal resources

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ This change was not due to COVID-19. This deadline was extended after the state's voter registration website crashed.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Public Interest Legal Foundation, "Virginia Court Blocks Plan to Accept Ballots Without Postmarks After Election Day," October 28, 2020
  3. ↑ The Washington Post, "Federal judge extends Virginia voter registration through Thursday," October 14, 2020
  4. ↑ The Virginian-Pilot, "After statewide voter registration outage, attorney general files motion and civil rights groups file lawsuit to extend deadline," October 13, 2020
  5. ↑ The Roanoke Times, "Gov. Ralph Northam signs legislation to allow ballot drop boxes for November's election," September 4, 2020
  6. ↑ United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, "League of Women Voters of Virginia v. Virginia State Board of Elections: Partial Consent Judgment and Decree," August 5, 2020
  7. ↑ United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, "Constitution Party of Virginia v. Virginia State Board of Elections: Opinion," July 15, 2020
  8. ↑ The Roanoke Times, "Republicans postpone convention contest between Rep. Denver Riggleman, Bob Good," April 13, 2020
  9. ↑ The Roanoke Times, "Republicans set convention date to settle bitter battle between Rep. Denver Riggleman and Bob Good," May 11, 2020
  10. ↑ ACLU Virginia, "Federal court approves partial settlement in ACLU voting lawsuit challenging Virginia's witness requirement during COVID-19 pandemic," May 5, 2020
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Richmond Times-Dispatch, "Judge grants Republicans extension to nominate Spanberger challenger," April 15, 2020
  12. ↑ Richmond Times-Dispatch, "Republicans to decide Spanberger challenger at July 18 convention," May 14, 2020
  13. ↑ Office of the Governor of Virginia, "Governor Northam Announces Plans to Postpone Upcoming Virginia Elections in Response to COVID-19," April 8, 2020
  14. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  15. ↑ Blue Virginia, "Virginia’s 7th District GOP Committee Votes to Change Convention Call From 4/25 to 'To Be Determined'; Also Votes to Proceed with Lawsuit Re: Gov. Northam’s Ban on Gatherings of 10+ People," April 5, 2020
  16. ↑ Virginia Mercury, "Richmond judge loosens petition signature rules for GOP U.S. Senate primary due to coronavirus," March 26, 2020
  17. ↑ Virginia Mercury, "Virginia officials say all voters can cast ballots by mail for May municipal elections," March 17, 2020
  18. ↑ Governor of Virginia, "Executive Order 55," accessed March 30, 2020
  19. ↑ WJLA, "Northam: All jurisdictions outside Northern Va. can enter Phase 1 of reopening Friday," May 13, 2020
  20. ↑ Patch, "Arlington To Enter Phase 1 Of Reopening," May 29, 2020
  21. ↑ The Roanoke Times, "Judicial emergency now slated to extend into November," September 28, 2020
  22. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Jun4
  23. ↑ [http://www.vacourts.gov/news/items/covid/2020_0506_scv_order.pdf In the Supreme Court of Virginia,"IN RE: FOURTH ORDER MODIFYING AND EXTENDING DECLARATION OF JUDICIAL EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY," May 6, 2020]
  24. ↑ The Supreme Court of Virginia, "IN RE: THIRD ORDER EXTENDING DECLARATION OF JUDICIAL EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY," April 22, 2020
  25. ↑ Supreme Court of Virginia, "IN RE: ORDER EXTENDING DECLARATION OF JUDICIAL EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY," March 27, 2020
  26. ↑ NBC12, "Supreme Court of Virginia issues judicial emergency amid coronavirus outbreak," March 16, 2020
  27. ↑ WDBJ 7, "Virginia’s ban on evictions expiring Monday," September 7, 2020
  28. ↑ NPR, "Virginia Supreme Court Grants Temporary Moratorium on Evictions," August 8, 2020
  29. ↑ NPR, "Evictions Can Now Resume In Virginia. Thousands Could Be At Risk Of Losing Housing," June 24, 2020
  30. ↑ dcist, "Evictions Set To Resume In Virginia As Coronavirus Pandemic Rages On," June 23, 2020
  31. ↑ NBC 10 News, "Evictions halted across Virginia in response to coronavirus pandemic," June 8, 2020
  32. ↑ Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the Governor, "Letter to The Honorable Donald W. Lemons," June 7, 2020
  33. ↑ In the Supreme Court of Virginia, "IN RE: FIFTH ORDER MODIFYING AND EXTENDING DECLARATION OF JUDICIAL EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY," June 8, 2020
  34. ↑ Supreme Court of Virginia, "ORDER EXTENDING DECLARATION OF JUDICIAL EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY," accessed April 10, 2020
  35. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named EvictMA
  36. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named May8imates
  37. ↑ 13 News Now, "Virginia Department of Corrections releasing inmates to the public after they test positive for coronavirus," April 29, 2020
  38. ↑ WHSV, "Va. lawmakers give Dept. of Corrections power to release some inmates early," April 23, 2020
  39. ↑ The The Virginian-Pilot, "Aiming to prevent jailhouse coronavirus outbreak, Norfolk frees hundreds of inmates," March 29, 2020
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