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Virginia coronavirus update
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam provides an update on the state's response to the novel coronavirus.
RICHMOND, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - The city of Virginia Beach will be opening its beaches for recreational activity on Friday, Governor Ralph Northam announced on Monday.
The beaches will open for sunbathing, swimming, fishing and surfing, but activities like group sports and alcohol consumption will still be forbidden.
READ MORE: Virginia phase 1 reopening: Here's how it affects you and the businesses you use
In addition, parking will be capped at 50 percent capacity, and crews will be assigned to what the governor described as “enhanced cleaning schedules.”
Northam warned that if people fail to heed social distancing guidelines, the restrictions put in place during the COVID-19 outbreak will be quickly re-established.
“My message to Virginia is, you must be responsible,” the governor said.
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Despite strict stay-at-home guidelines still in place last weekend, large groups reportedly swarmed the locale amid summer-like temperatures.
Track D.C., Maryland and Virginia coronavirus cases by county with this interactive map
Families ordered snow cones, bought hermit crabs and cramped gift shops while bikers pedaled on the boardwalk on Saturday, the Virginian-Pilot reported. Tents, umbrellas and beach blankets were set up near the water.
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