Dear Jack,

I hope you and your family are doing well during these tough times. I'm sending weekly Bulletins so that you have all the latest updates you need.

Additional COVID Safety Measures

This week, in light of rapidly rising COVID-19 cases in the Commonwealth and across the country, Governor Northam announced some new safety measures to help curb the spread of this disease.

- Executive Order 72 directs Virginians to stay home between the hours of 12am and 5am, unless traveling for work, buying essentials, or seeking medical attention.

- Masks are now required on all individuals age 5 and over, at all times while inside, and outside when within six feet of another individual. These changes are consistent with the new CDC guidelines.

- All social gatherings are restricted to 10 individuals or less. This does not include places of worship, schools, or employment settings.

- All restaurants, bars, wineries, breweries, and other dining and drinking establishments must close by 12am.

Read more about the updated safety measures here.

Vaccine Updates

A great day for all of us -- on Friday, the Pfizer vaccine was approved by the FDA for emergency use. The initial shipment of 70,000 doses is on its way to Virginia as we speak, and will be reserved for front-line medical personnel. We will provide more updates as additional vaccine shipments arrive and as vaccine access opens up to more of the population.

Coronavirus Numbers (12/13)

As always, please reach out to my office if you need any assistance. My Senate email address is [email protected] and my in-district phone number is (571) 367-9080. I hope you and your family are able to stay safe and healthy during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Senator John J. Bell