Arlington Launches Initiatives to Ease Transition to Phase 1 Reopening

Published on May 29, 2020

Arlington County has introduced two new ways to make it easier for residents and businesses to transition to Phase 1 of the Forward Virginia plan and to encourage personal responsibility as the County begins to reopen.

In response to Gov. Ralph Northam's Executive Order that face coverings must be worn inside public places, the County created the "We Are Covered" program. This gives Arlington businesses, multi-family residences, and houses of worshipa wayto show they have pledged to protect the people who come through their doors.

Businesses, multi-family buildings, and houses of worshipare invited to fill out the online form to pledge their commitment to adhering to the face coverings requirement and receivea free "We Are Covered" badge that can be displayed on doors and windows to letworkers, customers, and passersby know they prioritize the public's health.

As Arlington County moves into Phase 1, the County encourages all residents and visitors to take personal responsibility to follow state requirements for face coverings, as well as maintain a 6-foot distance from other people and avoid groups of more than 10 people. 

New Reporting Tool

A new online tool provides a way to report concerns about possible non-compliance issues in public places—a preferred alternative to calling the County's non-emergency number or the COVID-19 information line. 9-1-1 should only be called in the event of an emergency. 

The information generated by the tool will be used for ongoing community education and to spot trends. Potential areas of concern will be reviewed, with any follow-up by the appropriate County departments.

Areas listed in the tool include parks, facilities not authorized to operate under Phase 1, and capacity limits involving outdoor restaurant seating, grocery stores, retailers and houses of worship.

This tool will evolve over time to meet the guidelines of future reopening phases.

Day of Mourning


On Monday, June 1, Arlington Countywill join other officials and faith leaders across the country for day of mourning. 

The County will hold a moment of silence and lower the County flag at the government building to remember the 109 Arlingtonians—and the more than 100,000 people nationwide—who have died from COVID-19.

As Phase 1 begins, Arlington County encourages everyone to honor those who have died and those who are still sick by doing their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.


  • Continue to limit trips, and stay home if sick.

  • Use strict physical distancing of at least 6 feet

  • Wear a cloth face covering when in public spaces, including businesses

  • Wash hands frequently, clean and disinfect surfaces, and cover coughs and sneezes.
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