STATEWIDE — On Thursday, April 29, Governor Ralph Northam announced that he has amended Executive Order Seventy-Two as to adopt new mask-wearing regulations in accordance with guidance recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC).
The CDC announced that fully vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks outdoors when alone or in certain small gatherings. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after having their single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two weeks following the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.
RELATED STORY: CDC: Vaccinated people can gather indoors without masks
“The CDC’s recommendations underscore what we have said all along — vaccinations are the way we will put this pandemic behind us and get back to life as normal,” said Governor Northam.
However, the CDC still advises that persons with certain medical conditions, compromised immune systems, have loved ones that are considered medically high risk or ineligible to receive the vaccine, still continue prior mask-wearing guidance. The CDC also emphasizes that there are no changes to guidance regarding social distancing and handwashing/sanitizing.
Additionally, the CDC recommends that persons who are in gatherings or communal spaces (both indoor or outdoors) with persons from more than one household, with children, or persons with certain medical conditions and/or compromised immune systems also continue previous mask-wearing guidance.
RELATED STORY: Virginia Department of Health launches new dashboard to track new COVID-19 variants
As of Thursday, April 29, more than 3.7 million Virginians have been vaccinated with at least one dose. For more information regarding Virginia’s current COVID-19 status, please visit the dashboard for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) by clicking here.
All Virginia residents over the age of 16 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. To receive more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the website for Vaccinate Virginia.
CATCH UP ON MORE FROM WYDAILY:
- Electric bike company opening at Midtown Row
- Autism Awareness Month: Local police departments work residents on the Autism Spectrum
- Want to spend more biking or walking on the Colonial Parkway? Here’s your chance to tell the National Parks Service
- Williamsburg Winery wins medals in international competition