maskS: Updated guidance in virginia
May 14th Announcement: Governor Northam Updated Mask Mandates
RICHMOND— Governor Ralph Northam updated the Virginia mask mandates to better align with new CDC guidance. While Virginia’s mask mandate allows for people who are fully vaccinated to not wear a mask in most settings, the Governor’s Executive Order does not require proof of vaccination.
Anyone who is not yet fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks and practice physical distancing in most indoor and outdoor settings in accordance with CDC recommendations.
Masks will still be required in the following settings, regardless of vaccination status:
- Public transit
- Healthcare facilities (including hospitals, doctor’s offices, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and local health departments)
- Schools
- Correctional facilities
- Homeless shelters
Businesses also retain the right to require masks. Private businesses are free to determine how they want to address the wearing of masks on their premises and the Virginia Department of Health will not be responsible for enforcement of a private business’ mask policy.
Additional updates will go into effect on May 28 with the Governor’s Executive Order 79.
