Friends,

I hope you’ve all been staying safe and healthy — thank you for everything you continue to do for your families, neighbors, and communities in this challenging time.

This week, we’re sharing updates on Phase 1 of the Governor’s plan to reopen Virginia. At every point in this process, we must stress the continued importance of safety measures: Frequent hand-washing, physical distancing, and wearing face coverings. Below are more details of what Phase 1 looks like for specific businesses and communities across the Commonwealth.

Restaurant and Beverage Services: During Phase 1, businesses should continue to offer takeout and delivery options. If businesses choose to open to dine-in customers, they may only do so in outdoor spaces, and must adhere to additional requirements, including limiting occupancy to 50%.
Brick and Mortar Retail: Businesses must strictly adhere to the physical distancing guidelines, enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices, and enhanced workplace safety practices, including six feet of space between customers and employees.
Personal Care and Grooming Services: Services can be provided on an appointment-only basis, and occupancy must be limited to 50%. Face coverings will be required for employees and customers.
Fitness and Exercise Facilities: If businesses choose to offer fitness and exercise services, they may do so only in outdoor spaces and must adhere to additional requirements like physical distancing.
Farmers Markets: Farmers markets should continue to offer order-ahead and pickup options. If markets choose to open, they may do so only in outdoor spaces, and they must adhere to additional requirements such as appropriate physical distancing.
Campgrounds: All available campsites must be twenty feet apart, and all common areas will remain closed. There will be no physical sharing of recreation equipment, and visitors will be encouraged to wear face masks. No gatherings of more than ten people will be permitted, and only persons listed on the registration are allowed on the property — no day passes or visitors. Overnight summer camps must remain closed during Phase 1.
You can find further details and guidelines for Forward Virginia Phase 1 here. [link removed]

Additional resources

Today, I want to share housing-centered resources for those who have experienced job or income loss and other impacts due to COVID-19. Stay Home Virginia ([link removed]) has many helpful resources, including guidance on how to work with landlords, financial institutions, and others to sustainably use temporary eviction and foreclosure protections during this crisis.

Additionally, if you still need time to file your taxes, you have an automatic six-month filing extension until November 1 ([link removed]). You can find more tax filing updates and information here ([link removed]), and other helpful resources at the Virginia Society of CPAs Resource Center ([link removed]). Huge thanks to Tim Barry, Director of Public Affairs for the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA), for sending these resources to us.

Town Hall recap

I extend my sincere and deepest thanks to Dr. Micol Hutchison, VCCS Director of Pathways to the Arts & Humanities, for joining me last week during our third virtual town hall. We had a wonderful conversation about what art, philosophy, literature, and history can teach us about navigating this unique, challenging moment in history. If you missed it, you can watch the recording here. [link removed]

I am sure that I speak for many when I say that our conversation left me feeling hopeful and rejuvenated. Thank you, Dr. Hutchison.

Our updated website

If you have a moment, take a look at our updated website! [[link removed]] We’ve added new sections for COVID-19-related resources, contacting our office, and updates on our 2020 legislative accomplishments.

A reflection for the end of Ramadan

With the conclusion of Ramadan now approaching, I wish everyone in the Muslim community a blessed Eid al-Fitr. This particular Ramadan has been a particularly challenging one for so many families. Although we have not been able to celebrate the nightly iftar (breaking of the fast) with family and friends, so many members of the community have worked hard and volunteered long hours to ensure that individuals in need received food and access to resources. Thank you for this extraordinary effort in charity and volunteerism.

As always, please reach out to my office should you need assistance or want to schedule a phone or conference call. The best way to contact us is by email: [email protected].

-- Ghazala


 


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| Paid for and authorized by Friends of Ghazala Hashmi |
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Friends of Ghazala Hashmi
PO Box 72923
Richmond VA 23235 United States

Senator Ghazala Hashmi was elected to represent Virginia Senate District 10 in 2019. She has led efforts in the General Assembly to support education, protect healthcare and the environment, and prevent gun violence. Senator Hashmi is committed to ensuring Virginia's government works for everyone.


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