In late reversal, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam moves to keep limits on bars

Virginia bars will remain closed during phase 3 of reopening

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is taking a late step to keep bars in restaurants closed as the state prepares to enter Phase 3 of its reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is taking a late step to keep bars in restaurants closed as the state prepares to enter Phase 3 of its reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The governor said Tuesday the state’s restaurants will not be allowed to fully reopen their bars as previously planned.

He announced the decision a day before the state was set to allow people to congregate at bars as long as they practiced social distancing.

Instead, restaurants can continue to operate under Phase 2 restrictions, which allows limited table service in bar areas. Virginia does not allow establishments to only serve alcohol, they all must serve food.

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Virginia Governor Ralph Northam discusses reopening

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam appeared on FOX 5 on Tuesday to discuss the state's reopening process.