Per Executive Order 63, Virginians will be required to wear a face covering when they are in most indoor/public areas including retail stores, public transportation, and personal care & grooming establishments. If you do not have a mask and need information on what face coverings you could use (including ones you can make yourself!), please go to the CDC’s face covering webpage here.

The Governor announced that starting this Friday, May 29th, Virginians will be required to wear face coverings whenever they are in most public areas such as a grocery store or a barber shop. More information is available in this newsletter, but I just wanted to state how important this rule will be to protect everyone.

I want to wish Muslims celebrating this weekend a very happy Eid to you and your family! Eid Mubarak. This pandemic has truly made it a tough time to celebrate holidays like Ramadan, Easter or Passover. I want to thank everyone of all the many faiths celebrating these past few months for their patience and understanding during this difficult situation.

We are now more than two months into this state of emergency. I know it’s been a tough few months. This pandemic has truly tested the strength and resolve of our community. We here in the 51st District and the rest of NoVA continue to follow the necessary restrictions put in place over the past two months. The signs are certainly in our favor, but we must continue to stay at home.

Today marks the beginning of Phase 1 for much of Virginia. However here in the 51st District, and throughout Northern Virginia, we remain in Phase 0. We must stay the course now so we can prevent further spread. I know it’s tough, but we in Northern Virginia must continue to stay at home for everyone’s safety.

These past few weeks have been some of the most difficult in many of our lifetimes. Here in the Commonwealth, the challenging times have impacted our families and forever changed us all. For weeks on end, our lives have been inundated and changed by COVID-19. I hope that you and yours are well and are staying safe. The sacrifices we are making by staying home are essential to our effort to keep everyone safe and healthy.