The Shadow
RICHMOND — Wearing a face mask or covering in public in Virginia is encouraged and voluntary. But that could soon change.
Gov. Ralph Northam said Friday he will announce early next week a decision on making facial coverings mandatory.
“I will make an announcement on Tuesday regarding that,” Northam said Friday.
The governor said his administrative team is working on logistical issues concerning such a mandate, including adequate access to masks and enforcement policies.
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney on Thursday criticized the general lack of consistency of Richmond residents in wearing face-masks while out in public.
Stoney said he lacked authority to create a mandate requiring everyone to wear a mask when going out in public. Only the governor has authority to do that.
On Friday, Northam said he had received a letter from Stoney concerning making mask-wearing in Richmond mandatory. He said he had also held follow-up conversations with the mayor.
Northam said once he reaches a decision, such a mandate would apply to all of Virginia.
Richmond is among jurisdictions that are not being allowed to enter Northam’s initial phase of reopening nonessential businesses until May 29.
Northern Virginia and Accomack County were also delayed in reopening their economies.
The rest of Virginia entered Phase I of “Forward Virginia” on May 15. Northam said he will have information next week about moving into Phase II of his plan, as well as explaining when areas that are still closed can enter Phase I.
Northam said testing continues to be expanded throughout the state. Test results are continuing to show the percentage of confirmed cases to overall tests declining in the state.
“This is a good thing,” he said, while urging Virginians to wear face coverings in public, practice social distancing and limit public gatherings.
“We know these guidelines will be part of the new normal as we continue to move forward,” Northam said.
In an effort to expand testing and increase public awareness, the state will launch “COVID Check,” a new telehealth and risk-assessment tool.
Virginians who use the tool will be given guidance on whether to self-isolate if they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, seek a doctor or find emergency care. The online tool will also provide information on where testing is available.
Northam said beginning May 29, 740,000 Virginians who receive SNAP benefits will be able to order groceries online and have them delivered to their homes. The service will initially be offered through Amazon and Walmart.
Unemployment claims in Virginia continue to rise. Approximately 44,000 new unemployment claims were filed with the state last week. The April unemployment rate in Virginia climbed to 10.6 percent, while being at 2.8 percent before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
On Friday, the Virginia Department of Health was reporting 34,950 confirmed cases of COVID-19, representing 813 new cases from Thursday.
The death toll from the disease stood at 1,136, up 37 from Thursday.
On Thursday, the Alleghany Highlands COVID-19 Task Force was reporting 16 confirmed cases in the Alleghany Highlands.
The breakdown in cases was: Alleghany County, 6; Clifton Forge, 5; and Covington, 5.
Active cases stood at nine, with persons testing positive between May 11 and May 18 exhibiting “fairly mild symptoms,” according to Covington City Manager Krystal Onaitis.
Bath County was still reporting no cases.
