In the wake of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) new guidance stating that those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may “resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing,” Governor Ralph Northam has lifted Virginia’s universal indoor mask mandate.
“This is a tremendous step forward,” Northam said, in a recorded statement on Friday, May 14. “In Virginia, we are lifting our universal mask mandate consistent with CDC guidance. This means if you’re fully vaccinated, you do not need to wear a mask in most situations.”
Northam’s announcement came just moments after Republican Party of Virginia issued a statement calling on the governor to, “repeal his mask mandate and start following the science of the situation.”
Northam further stated, “Businesses may still choose to require masks in their establishments, and masks will still be required in schools.”
Virginia’s universal indoor mask mandate first went into effect on May 29, 2020, and has now been enforced for just 15-days shy of one full year. Thus far, between the Alleghany and Covington Health Districts, 1,951 cases of COVID-19 have been identified, and 61 residents have succumbed to complications of the virus since the onset of the pandemic. Statewide, there have been 669,904 identified cases, and 11,008 deaths as of Saturday, May 15.
The CDC considers an individual to be fully vaccinated “two-weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two-weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.”
The CDC also states that, “If you do not meet these requirements, regardless of your age, you are not fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.”
In addition to the lifting of the universal indoor mask mandate, Northam previously announced that capacity-restrictions imposed upon sports and entertainment venues will be increased starting on Saturday, May 15.
“Here’s some more good news,” Northam’s message continued. “As you know, we are easing some mitigation measures tomorrow. And now we are able to move the timeline to end them all, thanks to the new CDC guidance. Our strong vaccine numbers, and dramatically lowered case count. Two weeks from today, (Friday) May 28, we will lift all of Virginia’s mitigation restrictions on capacity and distancing in businesses and public spaces. Virginians have been doing the right thing and we’re seeing the results. Seven-million shots have been given in Virginia, and two-thirds of Virginia’s adults have had a shot. The vaccines are clearly working, and they are saving lives.”
Northam went on to boast about the state’s decreased case count.
“Our case counts have dropped to numbers not seen since last summer,” the governor said. “In these next two-weeks, I strongly urge every eligible Virginian to get vaccinated if you haven’t already. And get vaccinations for your children age 12 and up. We have plenty of shots available. It will protect you better than anything else.”
Northam concluded his statement by saying, “It’s very simple; it’s either a shot or a mask. It’s up to you.”
Additional resources, including information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, is available by visiting the Virginia Department of Health’s website at vdh.virginia.gov.
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