Readers Split On Virginia's Readiness For Phase 3 Reopening

VIRGINIA — A majority of surveyed Virginia Patch readers support the face mask requirement, but opinions are split on whether the state is ready to start phase three of reopening. Patch invited readers to complete a survey on coronavirus restrictions and reopening from June 24 to 25. We received 2,452 responses.

Our survey asked about a number of topics related to coronavirus restrictions, which have affected many aspects of people's daily lives. The survey is not meant to be a scientific poll, but rather to gather sentiments of our readers in an informal way. It's important to note that most of our readership is based in Northern Virginia.

Topics such as lifting restrictions and requiring face masks in public places have become polarizing in Virginia and across the U.S. Gov. Ralph Northam has announced phase three should start across Virginia on July 1. The phase will bring additional easing of restrictions for businesses and increase the social gathering limit to 250 people.

Results were almost evenly split on the question of Virginia's readiness to start phase three reopening on July 1. The "yes" responses edged out the "no" responses 50.2 percent to 49.8 percent.

There was also an equal split of people who know or don't know someone who tested positive for the coronavirus. A total of 48.5 percent answered "yes," 48.6 percent said "no" and 2.9 percent declined to say.

Virginia's face mask requirement at indoor public places has support from most surveyed readers. Just over 80 percent support the policy, which will continue into phase three.

Opinions were more mixed when readers were asked about Pre-K to grade 12 school reopenings. Individual school districts are in the process of deciding on to start the school year. The most popular option among readers is blended virtual and in-person learning, which got 41.2 percent of the vote. An additional 23 percent support the traditional in-person school year, while 18.7 percent prefer virtual education only, and 10.4 percent support virtual education by medical need. The rest of respondents gave an "other" or "no opinion" response.

A portion of readers say they've been to dining areas — either indoors or outdoors — since they were allowed to reopen. Outdoor dining opened with restrictions in phase one, followed by indoor dining with restrictions in phase two. In our survey, 21.2 percent of readers said they have dined at restaurants, 16.3 percent said they dined outdoors only, and 61.1 percent have not dined at restaurants. The remainder gave an "other" response.

Salons and other personal care and grooming businesses started to open with restrictions in phase one. Our survey found 43.3 percent have visited these businesses and 54.8 percent have not.

Lastly, we asked readers for additional comments about reopening and coronavirus restrictions. Over 1,200 provided comments. Here are some of the highlights:

• We should all do whatever it takes to keep each other safe from this virus. Totally agree with restrictions. But too many special people out there who always have to buck the system will unfortunately keep this virus alive.
• As a small business owner in the service sector, this has been a very hard time for us all. But we must continue to be vigilant so we don't have to go backwards in our abilities to stay open for business.
• My business is not making any money and we are too slow to open despite negative (downward) trends. I'm not sure what our Governor is doing and it sometimes seems like he doesn't know either.
• I am 77 and feel fairly comfortable with the progress of the reopening. I am slowly venturing out but being aware of my surroundings and taking precautions. Feel very strongly that ALL ages should wear masks and act responsibly so that we ALL can enjoy some of our former lifestyle. I do not like the attitude that older people should just stay home to be safe. We can be “safe” if others act responsibly.
• I was laid off as a direct result of COVID. I need the economy to open so I can find a job or I won’t be able to support my family.
• As for myself, I’m 84 with Medical issues so I’m at Risk. I’ve remained in my home for 17 weeks and counting. I see no change in the near future.
• We need to go back to work and our kids need to go back to school. The recovery rate of this virus is over 99%. If someone is concerned for their own health, or the health of a family member, they have the right to self isolate. That’s called freedom. I’ve been a nurse in this community for many years and am personally OVER this nonsense. People aren’t wearing masks properly, so they might as well not wear one at all- enough of the fear. Let us go back to living. Wash your hands and stay home when you are sick. Simple as that.
• We deserve some clear guidelines about when this is over. Mostly we should secure the nursing homes, advise at-risk people to isolate and let everyone else get on about their business.
• We are responsible people and should make our own decisions, based on our health, age and personal preferences, as to where we go. Everything should be able to open with reasonable “social distancing” in mind.
• Without a vaccine or reliable treatment, or a solid plan to mass test, isolate, and contact trace, we will just be headed back to square one. Masks should be mandatory at the least, and Virginia should continue to be cautious with opening - especially schools. Economic hardship must be considered, but lives lost cannot be compensated for or regained.
• The mask mandate should be enforced. Crowds on small sidewalks should be required to wear masks when they are not keeping distance.
• Move back to recommended masks instead of mandatory due to people with breathing issues with masks being persecuted by others.
• Gov. Northam has done a pretty good job so far, but I fear he is succumbing to economic pressure to open too quickly.
• We need to be very cautious and ready to lock down if there is a rise in the hospitalizations, ICU/ventilator support surges, and/or deaths.
• I think most of the businesses are doing their best. I would like to see mandatory masks for everyone in all indoor facilities. No mask; no entry.
• We should have the freedom to make decisions for ourselves. Everyone should be able to live, study, and work as they determine is healthy for themselves and their families. This extended "emergency" is hoping COVID-19 will go away, or that a vaccine will make it go away. This doesn't appear to be the case at present. As long as hospitals are not being overcrowded, let citizens make their own decisions.
• I am just scared that by entering Phase 3 people are going to slack in the precautions we’ve worked so hard to achieve. I wish that phase 2 could extend until August to lower the risk even more. But also understand the need for businesses and jobs but please people just don’t be Ignorant to the safety guidelines.
• 250 people gatherings still seems too high of a number to me. I am not planning to be at any place that can gather that many people anytime soon.
• Why jump from 50 to 250 as allowed number in groups in phase 3? Would prefer to see it doubled first, I.e. 100 people, for couple weeks at least.
• Things need to go back to normal. i don’t mind wearing masks but i worry about all the small business having to close permanently. we can’t afford a collapsed economy. suicide rates hav increased since pandemic. let’s get back to normal. those who are vulnerable can just stay put. God Bless
• Experts said the shut down was to keep hospitals from being over whelmed and that most were eventually going to get covid19. Hospitals never even got close to be over whelmed! Those with risk factors should remain in a very protective personal shut down mode! The rest of us should take common sense precautions and get on with the business of life! Life is too short!

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