Updated Guidance on Virginia's Workplace Safety Executive Order

Dear WANADA Members,

Yesterday, Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia issued an executive order that businesses like dealer showrooms must have no more than 10 patrons in the same enclosed space at one time, while ensuring everyone in the facility maintains 6 feet of distance from others at all times. 

We stated incorrectly yesterday that the executive order limited businesses to having 16 employees on-site at any given time.  Upon receiving additional legal guidance, it is our view that the executive order taking effect tonight at 11:59 p.m. does not impose a limit to the number of employees who can be on-site at one time, provided that they are still able to adhere to the 6-foot distance rule.

Please take great care to adhere to the distance rules in your showrooms, as businesses who fail to adhere to the guidelines can be forced to shutter and be exposed to potential criminal liability. We  strongly urge our dealers to ensure that they are prioritizing customer and employee safety above all else.

Gov. Northam has provided our dealers with a tremendous gift to be able to continue operating, while dealerships in other parts of the country have been forced to close entirely. This privilege can be revoked by the commonwealth at any time, so it's incumbent on every dealer in Virginia to keep their showrooms safe.

Also, please note that auto repair facilities are explicitly deemed by Virginia to be an "essential" service, and therefore the patron limits do not apply. We still strongly encourage you to ensure that your repair facilities and waiting rooms are as clean and safe as they can possibly be at all time.

Please continue referring to WANADA's  COVID-19 information page for more dealership-centered information, and also please feel free to contact me or Joe Koch ( [email protected] ) at any time.

If you have any WANADA insurance or benefits-related questions, please contact Ed Mullaney ( [email protected]) or Connie Ryan ( [email protected]). Thank you for your hard work during this uncertain time, and for your unwavering diligence in ensuring that your dealerships and repair facilities are clean and safe for the people who rely on them.

Sincerely,
  
John O'Donnell
WANADA President and CEO