Press Releases

Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) wrote to Governor Northam urging him to increase the maximum number of spectators allowed at outdoor high school sporting events to 50 percent capacity or 500 people, whichever is greater, as well as to advocate that the Governor follow the CDC's six-foot social distancing guidelines, rather than 10 feet as declared in his Order.

Governor Northam recently modified Executive Order 72 specifying, "For sports played outdoors the total number of spectators cannot exceed the lesser of 30 percent of the occupancy load of the certificate of occupancy for the venue or 250 spectators per field. Spectators must wear masks over their nose and mouth in accordance with section II. Ten feet of physical distance must be maintained between spectators who are not Family members."

"Every student-athlete deserves the opportunity to play the sport he or she loves while being safely cheered on by their family and friends, especially during a time that has taken a significant mental toll on our Nation's youth," Cline said. "Governor Northam's decision to require 10-foot distancing and allow no more than 250 fans at an outdoor stadium that potentially holds thousands is insufficient. I strongly urge the Governor to revise his Executive Order to increase attendance capacity at outdoor high school sporting events, as well as call for him to follow the CDC's social distancing guidance of six feet instead of ten. Precautions are still necessary, but they must also be reasonable."

Congressman Bob Good (VA-05) joined Congressman Cline on this letter, which can be found here.

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

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