Covid-19 has been wreaking havoc in the United States for over five months. Unemployment was on the rise as businesses had to shut down to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Luckily, the economy is starting to open up. In Virginia, the governor has been cautiously allowing businesses and social organizations to carefully restart activity. However, this will not look the same as it was before the spread of Covid-19. Consent forms, plexiglass dividers, occupancy limits, cleaning directions and mask rules will be required for everyone.

Some districts have decided to hold off on reopening as cases continue to rise in some areas. Northern Virginia, Richmond, and other largely populated areas are waiting until new cases decline and testing protocols are upgraded.

The areas that have reopened are taking it very seriously. Conditions for reopening prioritize safety, social distancing, and cleanliness. The last thing business owners want is another outbreak resulting in stronger restrictions.

“Virginia lifting restrictions is a great thing for small business owners who have been out of work for the past two months. I just hope it doesn’t increase the number of cases,” junior Annie Nguyen said. “It will feel nice having life return back to a somewhat normal state.”

Across Virginia, restaurants are allowed to use outdoor seating at half capacity with social distancing regulations. Barbershops and hair and nail salons can open for appointments and with strict guidelines. Nonessential retail stores can open with limits on the number of customers. All employees are required to wear face masks.

If every state reopens slowly and cautiously, things will start to get back to normal with time.