ROANOKE, Va. – Big Lick Comic Con was originally set for the beginning of August, which was less than a month into Phase Three. Instead, Big Lick Entertainment postponed the convention to Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1 to have more time to plan and to make sure guests and exhibitors can be comfortable attending. To do that, Big Lick made major changes but you can still expect to safely enjoy comic books, vendors and food trucks. Any comic con attracts crowds but Big Lick found a way to limit that too. There’s 55,000 plus square feet for you to be able to walk around and have your own personal space,” Sutphin said.

HENRY COUNTY, Va. Henry County and Martinsville have both released their reopening plans. For Henry County, students will start classes on Aug. 10, but there will be a staggered return to the building. Each will go to school two days a week and learn virtually for three days. School leaders in Martinsville are awaiting state approval on a plan for students to return. Then in Phase Two, Pre-K through third grade will be in the classroom with alternating schedules, while older students will continue online.

HOT SPRINGS, Va. – As many look forward to entering Phase Three Wednesday, one Bath County business is focusing on safety first. In a post on social media, Country Café informed customers for the time being it will continue with just takeout. While the owner said she isn’t worried about The Homestead welcoming back guests, she does want to do her part to protect employees and the county’s large elderly population. “With Bath County being one of the only counties in the state of Virginia still with zero cases, you know, we took that into consideration and what we can do to help to keep that level low,” said Shannon Boguess, Country Café owner. Boguess said watching numbers increase in across the nation impacted her decision to keep the dining room closed.

ROANOKE, Va. – Business owners are prepared for Phase Three of Virginia’s reopening plan, which starts on Wednesday. Of those positive cases, 17% are from three local communities -- Roanoke city, and Roanoke and Botetourt counties. “I have my concerns as I’ve stated that publicly,” said Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea when questioned on whether he believes the area is ready for the next phase. Mayor Lea said if things get worse in terms of the number of cases, he will consider pausing or scaling back reopening guidelines. “At some point, if it gets too bad, maybe we’ll have to pause,” said Mayor Lea.

Ralph Northam is taking a late step to keep people from gathering at bars as the state prepares to enter Phase 3 of its reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic. The governor said Tuesday the state's restaurants will not be allowed to fully reopen their bars as previously planned. Instead, restaurants can continue to operate under Phase 2 restrictions, which allows limited table service in bar areas but generally prohibits sitting at bar counters. The late notice will also hurt, he said, as restaurants will now have to scramble to adjust their staff and inventory. The Virginia Department of Health on Tuesday reported nearly 63,000 total cases of COVID-19, with just over 6,200 total hospitalizations and 1,760 deaths.

RICHMOND, Va. – We now know when Virginia will move into Phase Three of opening. Ralph Northam announced that Wednesday, July 1 is when Phase Three will begin. Last week, the governor’s office released a 38-page document outlining Phase Three guidelines. These are some of the changes we’ll see during Phase 3:Social gatherings may include up to 250 peopleCap on capacity for non-essential retail as well as restaurants will be lifted; however, physical distancing requirements will still remainMuseums, zoos and other outdoor venues can open at 50% capacity with a cap at 1,000 peopleGyms and other fitness centers will be able to open at 75% capacityPersonal grooming services will still need to follow physical distancing requirementsSwimming pools can open at 75% capacity with physical distancingCertain aspects of Phase Two will continue in Phase Three: