House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert issued the following statement regarding Governor Northam’s decision to allow Virginia Beach to open on Friday:

“We’re finally seeing movement in the right direction, but there is still a disappointing lack of trust in people and local governments to be able to use what we know about this virus to be able to open as safely as possible. We can’t stay shuttered forever. The Governor’s energy should be focused on providing specific guidance to people and businesses on how to interact safely rather than telling them what they can’t do.”

Del. Jason Miyares, R-Virginia Beach, added the following:

“It’s disappointing to see the Beach half open. Mayor Dyer and his team put together a great plan that would have opened our beaches safely, and given our local businesses an earlier reprieve from this slow motion disaster. Nonetheless, it’s good that people will be able to begin their summer at an oceanfront that is safe and open for business.”