RICHMOND, Va. – It’s official: Gov. Ralph Northam has cleared the way for most of Virginia to begin a gradual reopening on Friday.

The announcement comes as Virginia has seen a 14-day decline in the percent of positive cases. Northam said he’s confident Virginia’s hospital capacity, personal protective equipment supply and testing capabilities are sufficient to safely move forward.

“Phase one represents a small step forward but we will remain vigilant. We will continue to monitor health data closely,” Northam said. “I again want to remind all Virginians that this virus has not gone away and everyone needs to act accordingly.”

Phase one will retain severe restrictions. Some retail businesses will reopen with limited capacity, but indoor gyms would remain closed, beaches would remain closed to sunbathers and restaurants would still be prohibited from indoor dine-in service.

Northam is delaying northern Virginia’s reopening until at least May 29.