RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ordered all Virginia schools and non-essential businesses closed in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“I know the next several weeks will be difficult," he said. "These restrictions on non-essential businesses will create hardships on the businesses and employees affected. But they are necessary, and we do not undertake them lightly. I am calling on Virginians to sacrifice now, so that we can get through this together."

The following recreation and entertainment businesses are considered non-essential and must close to the public beginning at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2020:

Theaters

Performing arts centers

Concert venues

Museums

Other indoor entertainment centers;

Fitness centers

Gymnasiums

Recreation centers

Indoor sports facilities

Indoor exercise facilities

Beauty salons

Barber shops

Spas

Massage parlors

Tanning salons

Tattoo shops

Any other location where personal care or personal grooming services are performed that would not allow compliance with social distancing guidelines to remain six feet apart;

Racetracks

Historic horse racing facilities

Bowling alleys

Skating rinks

Arcades

Amusement parks

Trampoline parks

Fairs

Arts and craft facilities

Zoos

Escape rooms

Indoor shooting ranges

Public and private social clubs

All other places of indoor public amusement

Dining and On-Site Alcohol Establishments

All dining and congregation areas in the following establishments must close to the public beginning at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

These establishments may continue to offer delivery and/or takeout services.

Establishments include:



Restaurants;

Dining establishments;

Food courts;

Farmers markets;

Breweries;

Microbreweries;

Distilleries;

Wineries; and

Tasting rooms.

Forbidden love led to Keya Wingfield to create Candy Valley Cake Co.

Retail Businesses

The following retail businesses are considered essential and may remain open during normal business hours:



Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers that sell food and beverage products or pharmacy products, including dollar stores, and department stores with grocery or pharmacy operations;

Medical, laboratory, and vision supply retailers;

Electronic retailers that sell or service cell phones, computers, tablets, and other communications technology;

Automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers as well as automotive repair facilities;

Home improvement, hardware, building material, and building supply retailers;

Lawn and garden equipment retailers;

Beer, wine, and liquor stores;

Retail functions of gas stations and convenience stores;

Retail located within healthcare facilities;

Banks and other financial institutions with retail functions;

Pet stores and feed stores;

Printing and office supply stores; and

Laundromats and dry cleaners.

"All essential retail establishments must, to the extent possible, adhere to social distancing recommendations, enhanced sanitizing practices on common surfaces, and other appropriate workplace guidance from state and federal authorities," the governor's office announced. "Any brick-and-mortar retail business not listed above must limit all in-person shopping to no more than 10 patrons per establishment, adhere to social distancing recommendations, sanitize common surfaces, and apply relevant workplace guidance from state and federal authorities."