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Plans For Reopening Virginia Move Forward Despite Less-Than-Positive Numbers

RVA Staff | May 7, 2020

Topics: coronavirus, covid 19, Donald Trump, Forward Virginia, Ralph Northam, reopening Virginia, retail businesses, social distancing, stay at home order

The Commonwealth has not met the guidelines for daily decreases in the number of new COVID-19 cases; nonetheless, the opening phase of Governor Northam’s plan to reopen Virginia is set to launch next week.

The novel coronavirus has burdened communities with stay-at-home orders for over a month, resulting in businesses closing and millions filing for unemployment. On April 24 at a press conference in Richmond, Gov. Ralph Northam released guidelines to incrementally reopen Virginia in a three-part process he is calling “Forward Virginia.”

The plan is reminiscent of reopening plans put forward by President Donald Trump and the Centers for Disease Control. President Trump promised to give authority to state governors to decide how to ease restrictions in their states, stating in a briefing, “America wants to be open and Americans want to be open,” he said. “A national shutdown is not a sustainable long-term solution.”

According to Governor Northam’s plan, before Phase One of the plan begins for the commonwealth, the numbers of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations per day should consistently subside for 14 days, while maintaining a certain number of available hospital beds and an increasing and sustainable supply of patient protective equipment. 

Once Phase One of “Forward Virginia” to begin, businesses will be permitted to reopen, with strict safety restrictions tailored for specific industries. Though Northam’s Coronavirus Business Task Force delivered their recommendations for business guidelines last week, Virginia’s final guidelines have not been released as yet. Public health restrictions including social distancing, face coverings in public, and teleworking will continue under phase one. 

“We cannot and will not lift restrictions the way you turn on a light switch,” Northam said at a press conference. “We will do it responsibly and deliberately, and it has to be grounded in data. We will move forward, but in a way that prioritizes public health and creates public confidence.”

Since that initial press conference, though, Northam announced on Monday, May 4 that the state would proceed to Phase One of the Forward Virginia plan on Friday, May 15. This is in spite of the fact that the 14-day decline in numbers for new COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations have not yet been achieved, and Northam’s previously stated goal of 10,000 new COVID-19 tests per day has also not been met.

Gov. Ralph Northam. Photo by Lia Tabackman, VCU-CNS

However, according to state health care officials, the situation is stable enough to proceed by the end of next week.

“You have to look at the whole picture,” Health Commissioner Norm Oliver told the Virginia Mercury. “The fact that our hospitals are in a situation where they could handle a surge means a lot. That we have enough PPE right now means a lot, too.”

The commonwealth has outlined a four-stage process, designed by former Commissioner of Health Karen Remley, to reach Northam’s goal of testing at least 10,000 individuals per day. Under the plan, contact tracers will support local health departments in identifying individuals who may be exposed to COVID-19, and helping them self-isolate.

Testing capacity will be one of the most crucial elements of reopening for states which could also be a shortcoming for Virginia. Virginia has one of the highest numbers of coronavirus cases, while being one of the worst for testing. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the commonwealth ranked 49th in tests administered per 1,000 people, but 14th in the share of confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

The first case of coronavirus in Virginia was confirmed on March 7. Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Virginia stood as of May 5 at 20,256, while 2,773 hospitalizations and 713 deaths have occurred. Although daily confirmed cases are still growing in Virginia, growth rates have slowed and hospitalization rates have remained flat.

President Trump’s guidelines, called “Opening Up America Again,” give Governors final discretion on how states will resume operations. Under the plan, states can begin opening businesses, restaurants, and schools in various phases, following a decrease in confirmed cases and adequate hospital capacity. 

After Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp encouraged businesses, including restaurants and movie theaters, to resume operations after the state’s stay-at-home order expired on April 30, the state surprisingly experienced a downturn in new COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks, after a gradual increase occurred during the prior two-week period. 

However, some say the data Georgia is officially reporting is misleading due to a new way the state has begun to count confirmed cases. According to the Columbus, GA Ledger-Enquirer, the new method, which includes provisions for revision of daily numbers at a later date, is showing a decline experts believe is unlikely to be accurate.

“They shouldn’t even put (the last two weeks) on the graph or publish them,” TJ Muehleman, co-founder of a data company that assists groups like the World Health Organization with collecting and analyzing various health data, told the Ledger-Enquirer. “Any time you publish data that is subject to recasting at a later day, you are going to confuse people. That is a certainty. I’ve seen that with the state of Georgia. …People are confused by this data.”

Northam also announced a modification to his stay-at-home order Monday, calling the new version a “safer at home” order that will give residents more room to leave the house for non-vital errands. The new rules are intended to give Virginians the opportunity to patronize some non-essential businesses without removing safeguards entirely.

“It means you can go out to eat again, but restaurants will use less of their seating to spread people out,” Northam said at the Monday press conference. “Phase One means more retail establishments can be open, but they’ll have to operate at lower capacity.”

Northam expected Phase One to last for around three weeks, with the state moving into Phase Two and beginning to allow larger gatherings of up to 50 people expected to come after that time period. However, full reopening is not expected to come for at least two months, and may take three months or more, Northam said.

“This virus is still here. It has not gone away and it will not go away until we have a vaccination,” Northam said Monday. “All of our efforts have slowed its spread, but they have not cured the disease.”

Written by Zach Armstrong and Marilyn Drew Necci. Top Photo by Andre Benz on Unsplash

How Grocery Stores Are Staying Safe During Coronavirus

VCU CNS | April 10, 2020

Topics: coronavirus, covid 19, Ellwood thompson's, essential workers, Food Lion, food safety, grocery stores, kroger, social distancing, stay at home order, Wegmans

Grocery stores and other essential businesses that must remain open during the pandemic are taking extra steps to ensure the safety of customers and employees.

Virginia grocery stores have increased efforts to keep stores clean and safe while they remain open to provide essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Gov. Ralph Northam issued a stay-at-home order as coronavirus cases quickly multiplied in the commonwealth. Grocery stores, considered essential businesses without restrictions, are implementing new service measures as sales spike during the coronavirus outbreak.

Kroger is cleaning commonly used areas multiple times an hour, including cashier stations, self-checkouts, credit card terminals, conveyor belts, and food service counters. Beginning April 7, Kroger will limit the number of customers to 50 percent of the building code’s calculated capacity to allow for proper physical distancing in stores and also plans to add plexiglass. 

Ellwood Thompson’s, a natural food market in Richmond, has upped cleaning practices, closed the salad bar, hot bar, and dining room, and placed wax paper throughout the store where there are shared surfaces. The store also provides customers with hand sanitizer stations through the store, and no outside food containers are allowed. 

“We are sanitizing all bathrooms, door handles, and every touchpoint each hour,” wrote Colin Beirne, marketing director at Ellwood Thompon’s in an email response. Food Lion announced that by the end of the week plexiglass shields at customer service, registers, and pharmacy counters will be installed at all locations.

Plexiglass shields will protect customers and employees from spreading germs. Photo via Kroger Grocery stores

Many grocery stores are attempting to prioritize those most vulnerable to the coronavirus. Food Lion, Ellwood Thompson’s, Publix, and all Mid-Atlantic Kroger locations have allowed customers above the age of 60, or who are immunocompromised, to exclusively shop when stores are cleanest and least crowded. 

“Protecting our most vulnerable neighbors is important to us, so special hours are being reserved for this group,” said Food Lion President Meg Ham in a statement to customers. “These special shopping hours will remain in effect until further notice.”

Not all food markets are reserving certain hours for vulnerable demographics. Wegmans, a grocery store with several locations in Virginia, explained on its website that the elderly are not the only population susceptible to the virus. The company said it doesn’t believe it’s a good idea to put highly susceptible people together in one location. 

“There are many wonderful people and community services in every market who can serve as a resource for those who fall in these susceptible populations,” Wegmans stated. “Any customer requiring additional assistance accessing our products or services should visit the service desk.”

Wegmans takes precautions such as markers on the floor to instruct shoppers where to stand for proper social distancing, and the checkout belts are sanitized between each customer. 

Stores have modified the hours of operation to allow additional time for cleaning and restocking. Ellwood Thompson’s, Publix, and Harris Teeter now close at 8 p.m., Kroger and Wegmans close at 10 p.m., and Food Lion locations close based on regional curfews that may be implemented. 

Retail food markets are expected to gain substantial revenue from lifestyle changes related to COVID-19. Karen Short, managing director at British multinational investment bank Barclays PLC, told Winsight Grocery Business that between $61 billion and $118 billion is projected to shift from restaurants to grocery stores during the second quarter of 2020. 

Grocery retailers are adding tens of thousands of new employees nationwide. Kroger announced in late March that they hired 23,500 new workers, with plans to hire an additional 20,000 in coming weeks.

Signs laid out to display where customers can stand for social distancing. Photo via Kroger Grocery stores.

Grocery store employees have been deemed as essential workers during the pandemic. As demand for their services rises and food retail revenue increases, many grocery store workers have been offered additional benefits. 

Wegmans boosted employee hourly pay rate $2 through March and April. Harris Teeter, which has several locations across Virginia, is offering employees a one-time bonus of $300 for every full-time associate, along with a $2 per hour wage increase for its employees through April 21. Kroger workers will be receiving an extra $2 per hour for hours worked March 29 through April 18, in addition to $25 for groceries.

Efforts have also been taken to protect workers from contracting COVID-19. Harris Teeter has provided protective shields at counters, and requires customers with reusable bags to pack their own items. At Food Lion, workers may choose to wear protective face masks. Kroger is expecting to give their employees gloves and face masks for protection by the end of the week.

Restaurants are permitted to remain open for takeout, delivery or drive-thru services. Other establishments have come up with creative ways to continue sales. Breweries are doing home delivery, and some farmer’s markets are accepting pre-orders for weekend pickup.

Non-essential businesses can remain open as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines of a 10-patron limit. The stay-at-home order is effective until June 10. Failing to comply is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Written by Zach Armstrong, Capital News Service. Top Photo via Kroger Grocery stores

Essentially Invisible: The Impact of COVID-19 on RVA’s “Non-Essential” Businesses

Rachel Scott Everett | April 6, 2020

Topics: Another Limited Rebellion, Cade Martin, Cadence Theatre Company, Coffee At A Distance, coronavirus, covid 19, CreativeMornings RVA, Dancers of RVA, Dialectix Consulting, Dogtown Dance Theatre, EVERGIB, Familiar Creatures, Fighting Gravity Fitness, Gianna Grace Photography, K2 Custom Tees, Kate Thompson, Kate Thompson Photography, Keep Calm And Nom Nom, Minima, Nico Cathcart, noah scalin, nonessential business, OnHoldAtHome, Palindrome Creative, quarantine, richmond va local business, rva together, Sacred Heart Center, Shapes & Colors, Spiritual Flow Yoga, stay at home order, Studio Two Three, Tania del Carmen, The Creative Now, Think, Urban Hang Suite

All sorts of businesses around Richmond are trying to survive in the midst of quarantine; coming up with survival strategies has been even tougher for those deemed non-essential.

With Governor Northam’s recent issue of a mandatory lockdown, it’s clear business won’t be getting back to usual anytime soon.

In the last couple of weeks, there’s been a big push (rightly so) to support local restaurants and breweries. Online delivery and curbside pickup are now the norm, and potentially the only way for these businesses to survive. It’s been amazing to witness the community come together and rally behind these establishments who’ve made our renowned culinary and craft beer scene possible. After all, eating and drinking is essential – not only to our survival, but to our enjoyment of life as well.

But what about the people working in business deemed “non-essential?” From entrepreneurs and artists to retail store owners and fitness instructors, these are the individuals who provide services that, during our current crisis, may not be “essential” for our survival. However, their income (or lack thereof) is directly tied to their survival.

This is the case for my husband and me as we run our own creative studio, EVERGIB. Within a few days, we felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the immediate loss of a brand launch project for a new restaurant. As independent creative professionals, we know all too well that when the economy takes a hit, we’re among the first to be affected. Now, no one is immune. As we self-isolate in our respective homes, we decided to reach out to friends and colleagues working across a variety of fields to learn what their life, and their livelihood, looks like during this challenging time.

The author, Rachel Scott Everett, and her husband, Brian Gibson, are Co-Founders & Creative Directors of EVERGIB, a nomadic creative studio. Photo by EVERGIB.

“Fear and uncertainty” are top of mind for Jason St. Peter, owner of Think, a fellow independent creative services agency in town. Like us, he’s experiencing a decrease in workflow, but trying to keep things in perspective, adding that “the drama happening with the rest of our country’s workforce and health is far more concerning.”

Matthew Freeman is founder of Dialectix Consulting, which offers facilitation and training around diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Almost every single project I had has been cancelled or postponed,” he states. The work is “both high-touch, in-person work and not a priority for organizations when their survival is at stake.”

Kate Thompson, of Kate Thompson Photography and Palindrome Creative, is feeling the crunch as well. A commercial photographer specializing in interior design and hospitality who recently completed work for Quirk Hotel Charlottesville, her focus has now turned to concerns about delayed income and loss of business, since photography is generally viewed as a “luxury” item. To stay hopeful, Thompson says, “I’m reminding myself that this, too, shall pass.” 

Katrina Boone, owner of Gianna Grace Photography and creator of Dancers of RVA, shares similar thoughts. “I never in a million years believed I would lose a whole month’s worth of work that has been scheduled for almost a year… I am now aware of just how fragile best-laid plans can be.”

Jess Burgess is Artistic and Executive Director at Dogtown Dance Theatre, a home for performing artists. Photo by Gianna Grace Photography.

Small business owner Jolinda Smithson of Shapes & Colors used to rely heavily on in-person meetings to generate new business. She’s adapting by connecting and expanding her network virtually. As host of CreativeMornings RVA, she’s particularly mindful of inclusivity within the community, reminding us that “businesses of color will be intensely impacted. It’s important to elevate those stories so folks get the support and resources they need to stay afloat.”

Kristen Ziegler, owner of Minima, a professional organizing and minimalist business, has also had to adapt. “Our business model is based on face-to-face organizing services in our clients’ homes and businesses,” states Ziegler. “Over half of our clients have asked to postpone their sessions. We’re losing at least half of our anticipated revenue as of now, and I only imagine things will get worse as the situation progresses.”

Ashley Hawkins is in a similar situation with her non-profit community arts studio, Studio Two Three. She’s dealing with a substantial loss of revenue due to program cancellations. Therefore, she’s ramped up her studio’s online shop, offering custom prints, shirts, tote bags, and other items for sale. “It’s a great way of supporting the studio and also getting something beautiful to remind us that we are all in this together.”

At Dogtown Dance Theatre, Jess Burgess, Artistic and Executive Director, is not only concerned for the future of her company, but the small staff she employs. Since 2010, Dogtown has been a staple for independent artists and community-based dancers. “In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, we’ve been forced to close our doors, closing off access to the classes, performances, and workshops that keep our region culturally vibrant.”

Burgess remarked that on top of the loss of income, the loss of community has been particularly difficult. “Nonprofit organizations, rooted in the community, cannot afford this hit, both to earned and contributed revenue, and the long-term effects it could have on programs and services offered to the public.”

Laine Satterfield is Director of Education at Cadence Theatre Company, an independent theatre. Photo by EVERGIB.

That type of devastating ripple effect translates to the theatre world as well. Laine Satterfield is Director of Education at Cadence Theatre Company, a small, independent performing arts theater. They’ve had to postpone all performances and community events indefinitely, putting the entire close-knit cast and crew in limbo. Ironically, its spring production, Small Mouth Sounds, tells the stories of strangers seeking to find themselves through isolation.

Like countless others, Sonja Stoeckli, owner of Spiritual Flow Yoga, has had to rethink ways of doing business. She and her teachers are offering online classes through Zoom for a reduced fee. “I have to pay my teachers as otherwise, they have no income as well,” she says. “I try to charge a little bit for our classes. It’s hard, as many people are not able to pay anymore because they lost their jobs.” 

Audrey Bonafe, owner of Fighting Gravity Fitness, is faced with similar challenges, and trying to see the bright side of things. “There will always be something to learn and grow from. We will become stronger and wiser. We are all being forced to offer online classes now, and that was something we needed to do anyway.”

That notion of being forced into action seems to be a common theme for everyone. Social entrepreneur Kelli Lemon of Urban Hang Suite, among other ventures, is also trying to take a more positive spin. “We are all in this together. We truly have the opportunity to look at things differently.”

Sonja Stoeckli is owner of Spiritual Flow Yoga, offering vinyasa flow and restorative classes of all levels. Photo by EVERGIB.

They say constraint breeds creativity. And therein is where the solution for the survival of “non-essentials” may lie. It’s about finding creative ways to get through this together. Most likely, the success of our professional lives depends on the support of people. And in times of crisis, we need each other more than ever (that goes for our personal well-being too). It’s up to all of us to find ways to lift each other up, to help create more awareness of the different challenges we face, and to understand that despite our differences, we all share this same burden of uncertainty together.

Already there have been inspiring acts of kindness and selflessness from “non-essentials” leveraging their skills and expertise to help the community. Dustin Artz and Justin Bajan of local ad agency Familiar Creatures created Keep Calm and Nom Nom, a one-stop online shop for purchasing gift cards to support RVA restaurants.

Artist Nico Cathcart and other Richmond muralists designed custom tee shirts that are now for sale on RVA Together. Each purchase provides a donation to Feedmore. Similarly, artist Noah Scalin of Another Limited Rebellion has a limited edition tee shirt for sale, for which all profits will go to support the Sacred Heart Center. Both initiatives are in collaboration with local print shop K2 Custom Tees.

Nico Cathcart is a muralist and painter whose work addresses social issues and inspires activism. Photo by EVERGIB.

Photographer Cade Martin has developed The Creative Now, featuring interviews with creative professionals sharing their experiences about what they’re doing to stay creative. Tania del Carmen, another local photographer, created #OnHoldAtHome, a photography series that aims to shine a light on how, despite the different challenges we face during COVID-19, we’re all connected in a shared vulnerability.

While we’re all justifiably concerned about our individual livelihoods, these examples show the benefit of looking outside ourselves. If we’re feeling invisible, chances are that others are feeling the same way too. Perhaps the best way to help ourselves is by first helping others. There is power in being proactive and taking some kind – any kind – of action.

Reach out. Check in. Start conversations. Don’t just ask people to write a positive testimonial and/or review for your business – do the same for them in return. Refer people’s work and services to those who may have a need for it, particularly those fortunate enough to be maintaining a stable income. If someone refers you, thank them for taking the time to do so. Create a list of the people you know who should know one another, and make introductions for future reference. This is also a great time to become a mentor, or to search for one. Initiatives such as Coffee At A Distance connect experienced industry professionals with graduates, many of whom are entering the job market for the first time.

As we depend even more on our virtual interaction, online and social platforms is where we can particularly make an impact. Tagging, liking, commenting, and promoting people’s work or services may seem insignificant, but can often make a big difference in keeping everyone visible.

OnHoldAtHome is a photography series created by Tania del Carmen documenting the lives of Richmonders during Covid-19. Photo by Tania del Carmen.

Right now, we might not have a lot of control, certainty or peace of mind. But we may have a lot of time. Let’s use it wisely.

Top Photo: Ashley Hawkins is Executive Director and Co-Founder of Studio Two Three, a non-profit community arts studio. Photo by EVERGIB. All photos were taken with the necessary precautions and from a distance of 6+ feet.

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