Virginia Governor Issues Executive Order – Firearm Retailers May Remain Open

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam recently issued Executive Order Number Fifty Three, placing temporary restrictions on restaurants, recreational, entertainment, gatherings, non-essential retail businesses and others. While the Order does not list firearm retailers as “essential,” the Order will allow firearm retailers to continue operation under this provision:  

“…any brick and mortar retail business not listed in paragraph 5 may continue to operate but must limit all in-person shopping to no more than 10 patrons per establishment. If any such business cannot adhere to the 10 patron limit with proper social distancing requirements, it must close.”

Per the Governor’s Order, all indoor shooting ranges are required to close. This is not a “Stay at Home” order, and does not speak to manufacturing or outdoor shooting ranges. Gov. Northam’s Order does not reference the DHS Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency Critical Infrastructure Guidance List. NSSF^® will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated. NSSF urges all members to closely follow CDC guidelines, practice social distancing and take precautions to protect the health of their employees and customers.