"Arlington Seeks to Enforce Physical Distancing, Limit Congregating on Posted Sidewalks, Streets"

what

https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/arlington-seeks-to-enforce-physical-distancing-limit-congregating-on-posted-sidewalks-streets/

I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say most sidewalks in the County aren't wide enough to allow 6 feet of distancing. https://twitter.com/srepetsk/status/1289362146204229632

Arlington has made incredibly little effort to provide additional space for pedestrians in the County, and is now going to fine people up to $100 if we don't keep 6-foot distancing. Almost feels like entrapment. https://twitter.com/srepetsk/status/1289362146204229632

At the same time, Arlington has not provided additional space for pedestrians on its streets and sidewalks. https://twitter.com/amaxsmith/status/1289363081525526528

(On a procedural note, why would the Board discuss & approve this new ordinance in closed session, rather than in public? There's probably legit reasoning that I'm not aware of...)

And the County is using "significant crowding inside restaurants" as reasoning for enforcing fines for distancing....outside on sidewalks? That doesn't make sense.

Also, not to be forgotten, Phase III continues to allow indoor seating at restaurants, and we know (science!) being indoors w/others is more risky and allows for greater COVID-19 spread...
https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/governor-of-virginia/pdf/Forward-Virginia-Phase-Three-Guidelines.pdf

imagine: ACPD strolling around Arlington with 6-foot tape measures, prepared to slap all y'all with $100 "traffic" fines if you're too close to each other on 4-foot-wide sidewalks

The fines aren't even going to go to people that aren't wearing masks, according to the release; they're just for those failing to maintain 6' physical separation. https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/arlington-seeks-to-enforce-physical-distancing-limit-congregating-on-posted-sidewalks-streets/

Here's tonight's Board discussion about the ordinance:

Are parents with twins supposed to keep six feet away from each other when walking through these marked sections of Arlington?

"I think that Arlingtonians in general, of all ages, will understand and comply" -Karantonis

Cristol says "the only way I could get to supporting something like this" was making it a traffic fine, and not a misdemeanor.

Dorsey & Garvey note this ordinance fills a hole in Arlington's toolbox for enforcement which is now needed during the pandemic. Hope they get "voluntary compliance" instead of having to issue fines.

DES could increase distancing compliance just by putting down markers every 6 feet like retail establishments are doing. Businesses likely can't/won't do it themselves since sidewalks are public. Easier than threatening people with fines. https://twitter.com/TomLynch_/status/1289392636126691328

May: "County officials say they don’t have the resources to close lanes in order to create extra space for social distancing among cyclists and pedestrians."

August: fine people for standing too close