Richmond is #saferandstrongerathome

Governor directs some non-essential businesses to close, closes schools for remainder of school year

According to the Governor’s press briefing today, gatherings of 10 or more people are banned. All recreation and entertainment venues must close. This includes bowling alleys, movie theaters and gyms. 

Personal care services that cannot adhere to social distancing measure, such a barber shops, spas and salons, should close. 

Restaurants may remain open for carry out, delivery, and curbside services only. Non-essential brick-and-mortar stores can remain open if they comply with the Governor’s recommendation of serving no more than 10 customers at once. 

Essential services will remain open but must also enforce social distancing and practice hygienic precautions and increased sanitizing procedures. This includes grocery stores, medical offices, pharmacies, and businesses in that supply chain.

If you have questions about the governor’s announcement, watch the press briefing here or read the full press release here.

Supporting Small Businesses and Employees

The City of Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review posted its available services throughout the closure on its webpage. 

Read what’s available here.

Field inspections will resume for all unoccupied new commercial and residential construction projects, with priority going to inspections pertaining to life safety, habitability concerns, and essential facilities. 

The city recently began a third-party option for inspections and plan reviews. This is still available to customers and may be a useful option if the city closure due to COVID-19 lengthens. 

The Office of Community Wealth Building is going virtual – join them for online workforce training sessions. 

Click here to access the schedule. Classes include: I’m Unemployed Because of COVID-19 – Now What?, Career Connect, and Secure the Bag: How to Get a MYA Summer Job.