RICHMOND, Va. -- Tennis courts and playgrounds in Richmond will be closed until June 10, and activities at the James River are restricted.
The announcement came Monday when Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a mandatory “stay-at-home” order, allowing Virginians to leave their homes only for certain essential activities like work, shopping for food and seeking medical treatment.
“In accordance with the Governor’s order, the city is restricting access to certain outdoor amenities. Playgrounds and courts at Richmond Public Schools and public parks will be closed. All team sports and activities are prohibited,” Richmond’s mayor Levar Stoney wrote Monday.
Additionally, activities at the James River are also restricted. No swimming, sunbathing or gathering in groups will be allowed, though patrons may still use the area for exercise, such as biking, walking, running and hiking
These new restrictions go into effect Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m.
“We will get through this crisis, but for the sake of our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable among us, I beg Richmonders to take this seriously. We are all safer and stronger at home.”
Breaking the new restrictions or the gathering ban is a class one misdemeanor.