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RICHMOND

Gov. Ralph Northam announced on Wednesday that he will extend Executive Order No. 53 for another two weeks, meaning crowds of more than 10 people will remain banned through Friday, May 8.

The order, which Northam originally signed on March 24, also closed recreation, entertainment and personal care businesses and limited restaurants to offering takeout and delivery services only.

“As we have seen from our data and models, social distancing is working, and we are slowing the spread of this virus,” Northam said. “But it is too early to let up. By extending this order to keep certain businesses closed or restricted, we can continue to evaluate the situation and plan for how to eventually ease restrictions so that our businesses may operate without endangering public health.”

Northam’s Executive Order No. 55, which directs Virginians to stay home unless they must leave for essential services, remains in effect until June 10. The commonwealth has created a frequently-asked-questions web page regarding Northam’s stay-at-home order, which can be found at virginia.gov/coronavirus/faq/.