RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond Police are urging anyone who sees a business or groups of people not complying with social-distancing mandates to call the police.
According to Governor Northam’s Executive Order 53, all businesses in Virginia are subject to the following regulations:
- Entertainment and recreation venues must close;
- Non-essential businesses that cannot abide by the recommended six feet of social distancing must close;
- Food and drink establishments must limit their service to carryout, curbside, or delivery;
- Non-essential brick and mortar stores may stay open as long as they limit capacity to 10 patrons at a time; and
- Essential businesses, such as grocery stores and medical and health establishments, may stay open but must practice social distancing and enhanced hygienic precautions.
If anyone sees an establishment out of compliance with this order and is concerned for public health, they should call the Richmond Police Department non-emergency number at 804-646-5100.
This also applies to residents who see large groups not practicing social distancing in city parks and outdoor spaces.
Concerned residents should not call 911 in these cases. While non-compliance with social distancing guidelines puts the community at risk, 911 lines should be reserved for emergencies.
Upon the first complaint, officers will identify the responsible party, educate them regarding the governor’s order and document the interaction in an offense report. This will include providing the responsible party with a copy of the executive order.
If a second complaint occurs, officers will warn the responsible party that continued violation will result in a Class 1 misdemeanor and document the interaction in an offense report. Upon the third complaint, officers will contact supervision for assistance and proceed with criminal charges, if appropriate.
