Hampton Roads Navy installations under increased COVID-19 restrictions

U.S. Navy personnel in Hampton Roads were ordered Tuesday to restrict their travel to work, home and essential stops, and avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people. Rear Adm. Charles W. Rock, commander of the Navy’s mid-Atlantic region, issued the order after an increase in COVID-19 cases.

The following restrictions — labeled “Health Protection Condition Level Charlie” — will go into effect Wednesday:

• Military personnel in Hampton Roads must limit travel to and from their homes to their places of work, with stops only for food, medicine and child care.
• Personnel advised to not gather in groups larger than 10 and told to wear masks and stay at least six feet apart.
• Personnel are prohibited from using off-base gyms and barber shops, but can continue to use facilities on base.
• Playing team sports, visiting amusement parks and attending parades or other public celebrations are prohibited.
• Travel restrictions don’t apply to personal leave and liberty travel, but Navy personnel must receive approval from their commanding officers.

“We’ve been fighting this virus for a long time, but we’ve still got some more work to do and can’t give in to fatigue,” Rock said in a statement. “As we enter the holiday season, it’s more important than ever that we look out for each other and ensure our sailors’ mental health and resiliency remain strong. Check in with one another often and take time to recharge.”

The Naval installations in Hampton Roads have five status levels pertaining to COVID-19, from “routine,” or no transmission of the virus, to “Delta,” or “severe.” Charlie is the second most serious level, meaning “sustained community transmission.” Today’s status upgrade comes after nearly two months at “Bravo,” or moderate status, which took effect Sept. 23 in Hampton Roads installations. Currently Norfolk’s health district is at a positivity rate of 7%, according to the Virginia Department of Health’s dashboard.

Subscribe to Virginia Business.

Get our daily e-newsletter.