Virginia Moving To Relax COVID-19 Guidelines

Va. Gov. Ralph Northam

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said yesterday that he will reopen a select number of businesses and other activities next Friday, May 15, as the first stage of a three-step plan for returning the Commonwealth to a more normal mode of operation. 

COVID-19 hospitalizations are down across the state, and at a news conference in Richmond yesterday, Northam said that he will allow some businesses – including hair salons, restaurants, entertainment centers, gyms and retailers to reopen with reduced capacity and enhanced safety measures in place. 

Businesses and offices will be required to enhance physical distancing and do more cleaning and disinfecting, with employees allowed regular breaks for hand-washing. 

Northam said he expects the first phase of reopening to continue for approximately three weeks, with a subsequent further relaxation of guidelines for social gatherings to follow. Phases Two and Three also will last about three weeks, so long as infection data does not spike. 

Martinsville Speedway: Still uncertain

Northam said yesterday that his executive order closing most nonessential businesses has been extended from May 8 to May 15. He added that a separate stay-at-home order set to expire on June 10 will remain in place, for now. 

While no official announcement has yet been made, NASCAR is believed to be targeting Sunday, May 31 for a 500-lap Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway; the fifth event of its resurrected Cup Series schedule.

Northam did not mention NASCAR during yesterday’s press conference, and the sanctioning body has not commented on what impact his latest announcement might have on that event.

In a related story, a NASCAR spokesperson has confirmed to NBC Sports that voting for the 2021 class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame has been postponed. 

Originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, Voting Day has been pushed back to a date to be announced;  the latest postponement attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The 2021 Modern Era Ballot – for drivers whose careers began within the past 60 years – include new, first-time nominees Jeff Burton, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Carl Edwards, along with Neil Bonnett, Harry Gant, Harry Hyde, Larry Phillips, Ricky Rudd, Kirk Shelmerdine and Mike Stefanik. 

Nominees on the 2021 Pioneer Ballot – for careers beginning more than 60 years ago – include first-time crew chief selection “Suitcase” Jake Elder and car builder/team owner Banjo Matthews, along with returning nominees Red Farmer, Hershel McGriff and Ralph Moody. 

Voters will be tasked with selecting two Modern Era nominees and one from the Pioneer Era for induction into the 2021 Hall of Fame Class.