Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced new measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in a press conference on Friday.

After ordering all K-12 schools in Virginia to close until March 27 early last week, Northam’s new efforts include closing schools for the remainder of the academic year. He also announced the closing of non-essential businesses with certain exceptions for retailers who limit the number of customers in the store. Under the new guidelines, restaurants will be allowed to stay open for delivery and curb-side takeout only. Virginia ABC stores will remain open.

“I want to be clear, essential businesses will remain open. These are things like grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and others,” said Northam. “[…]Social distancing matters everywhere, so essential businesses that remain open have a responsibility to adhere to social distancing recommendations.”

With the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Virginia now at 254 and quickly rising and a death toll of six, Northam went on to encourage grocery stores and other essential businesses to increase sanitation and other measures to keep their stores safe.

“The sooner we all take these necessary steps to slow the spread, the sooner we will all get through this,” Northam said.

Northams plan follows several other states implementing similar plans including Maryland where Governor Larry Hogan announced the shutdown of non-essential businesses just hours before Northam’s press conference.