State Health Commissioner Marissa J. Levine has announced the reopening of the James, Nansemond and Back Rivers to shellfish harvesting.

Portions of the Lynnhaven River and Linkhorn Bay remain closed.

The areas were closed after heavy rainfall caused generalized flooding and sewage overflows, potentially contaminating the areas with bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to humans if ingested.

The Division of Shellfish Sanitation has been collecting samples of seawater and shellfish tissue since the closures, and test results demonstrate that it is now safe for the public to once again resume shellfishing activities in these areas.