Virginia Governor Lifts Indoor Mask Mandate / Plans to Lift Other Restrictions…

Virginia Governor Lifts Indoor Mask Mandate / Plans to Lift Other Restrictions on May 28th

Effective May 14, 2021, Virginia’s Governor lifted the state’s indoor mask mandate (with a few exceptions) to align with new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Per the Governor’s press release: “The CDC guidelines state that fully-vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks in most indoor settings, except on public transit, in health care facilities, and in congregate settings. Businesses retain the ability to require masks in their establishments.

Employees who work in certain business sectors—including restaurants, retail, fitness, personal care, and entertainment—must continue to wear masks unless fully vaccinated, per CDC guidance. Those who are unvaccinated or not fully-vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear masks in all settings.”  In addition, masks will continue to be required in K-12 public schools.

Virginia’s Governor also announced that Virginia will end distancing and capacity restrictions at midnight on Friday, May 28.  Subsequently, the Governor released a new Executive Order (“EO79”) confirming that the current EO72 — which imposed the “sector specific guidelines” that impose both capacity restrictions and operating requirements on amenities like pools and gyms — is set to expire at midnight on May 28.

While it is clear that EO79 operates to end the occupancy restrictions of EO72, confirmation is being sought from the Governor as to whether any operating restrictions on the amenities will remain.  Watch this space for details.

The public state of emergency is likely to remain in place until the end of June.

Please note that some localities may still have their own mask requirements, such as the City of Alexandria.

Visit Virginia’s coronavirus website at https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Federal, state and local responses to COVID-19 are changing quickly. We encourage associations to monitor relevant government websites and this page for further updates.

Legal Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be legal advice. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific facts and circumstances of each case and each association’s governing documents. Also, it is not intended to be a full and exhaustive explanation of all legal considerations, nor should it be used to replace the individualized advice of your legal counsel.

 

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