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Quick thread on Virginia's plan for lifting social restrictions, which I outlined in more detail here: https://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/we-cannot-and-will-not-lift-restrictions-like-one-turns-on-a-light-switch-northam/article_cac6c890-386e-5481-b413-98787b12f685.html
Virginia will begin to lift public restrictions once the percent of positive tests per day (positive divided by total tests) ~and~ new hospitalizations show sustained decline over 14 consecutive days. State also needs sufficient hospital capacity + enough PPE.
Northam said the clock hasn't started yet, so the ~soonest~ we could see restrictions lift is two weeks from today. COVID-19 spread is slowing down, but cases are still rising.
Once we hit those targets, we'll be in Phase One of the recovery process, which ~does not~ mean all restrictions will be lifted.
-Some biz will stay closed. Others will open with “strict safety restrictions.”
-Social distancing continues
-Telework continues
-Wear masks in public
-Some biz will stay closed. Others will open with “strict safety restrictions.”
-Social distancing continues
-Telework continues
-Wear masks in public
Those are the basic outlines of Phase One. The full plan is being developed now, and the markers include health officials + local officials + biz community + faith leaders + more.
Northam: “Easing too much too soon could jeopardize public health and consumer confidence.”
Northam: “Easing too much too soon could jeopardize public health and consumer confidence.”
Phase One of Virginia's COVID-19 recovery will include overarching rules for all businesses, and specific guidance for different industries, like restaurants and barbershops. The rules are being worked on.
Virginia will also need more testing. The goal right now is 10,000 to fully reopen things. More on the state's testing woes here: https://www.richmond.com/special-report/coronavirus/covid-19-testing-the-key-to-lifting-public-restrictions-stalls-in-virginia/article_ecf8b321-f21b-51b0-b212-65d1b4922deb.html
Virginia will also need more "contact tracing," which means identifying people that have come in contact with a positive case. That's labor intensive and will include the use of volunteers + furloughed healthcare professionals. It might also involve mobile apps.
The state is looking at mobile apps by Google and Apple that people can opt into. “There are several interesting possibilities,” VA Health Sec Dan Carey said. “This is an emerging field and we are looking broadly to see what are the right tools for Virginia.”
Big question looking ahead: How long will Phase One last?
VA Health Commissioner Norman Oliver said he expects it will last until a treatment and/or vaccine are rolled out broadly.
“I, personally, think Phase One will be a two year affair."
VA Health Commissioner Norman Oliver said he expects it will last until a treatment and/or vaccine are rolled out broadly.
“I, personally, think Phase One will be a two year affair."
Here's a copy of the presentation outlining the state's plan, made public Friday: https://www.richmond.com/virginia-covid-19-briefing-for-april-24/pdf_9fef762f-a4bb-51e1-aadf-d1478c7a5c42.html
