Virginia’s COVID-19 restrictions — except mask mandate — to be lifted June 15 if all goes well
Virginians can expect all coronavirus restrictions — except for the mask mandate — to be lifted in mid-June, Gov. Ralph Northam said Thursday.
Fewer than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases are being reported each day — at its peak, several thousand came in daily — and hospitalization rates are the lowest they’ve been since October, he said at a news conference from Richmond.
“We are seeing a welcome drop” in the commonwealth’s case numbers, Northam said.
If they keep going that way, coupled with rising vaccinations, he plans to end the mitigation measures June 15.
Northam emphasized that’s dependent on continuing to manage the virus. If trends reverse, the June 15 goal will be pushed back.
“It’s really up to Virginians the way we move forward now,” Northam said, encouraging everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Northam already is planning to lift some restrictions May 15. That will allow restaurants to resume selling alcohol after midnight as well as allowing 50% capacity at indoor entertainment venues, up to 1,000 people, and outdoor venues with no cap.
The June target date will give businesses time to make plans about when they can operate at full capacity, he said.
As for the mask mandate, Northam said he anticipates following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Last week, Northam said Virginians who are vaccinated no longer need to wear masks outdoors except at large crowded events like concerts or graduation ceremonies, following CDC guidance. His mandate still applies to everyone in indoor public spaces.
Virginia’s state of emergency declaration, on which the mask mandate hinges, expires June 30. The governor said he hopes “to have COVID-19 in the rearview mirror” by then, but will consider extending the declaration if masks are still necessary.
Northam also discussed the state of vaccinations in Virginia, noting that President Joe Biden has a goal of getting at least one dose to 70% of Americans by July 4.
As of Thursday, almost 46% of Virginians had gotten at least one shot, with about a third fully vaccinated. There have been 664,394 total COVID-19 cases in Virginia, and 10,861 people have died.
To help serve rural, harder-to-reach areas, Northam announced Virginia is launching new mobile vaccination units. Across the state, almost all pharmacies and vaccine clinics are offering shots with no registration or appointment necessary for anyone 16 and up. Officials also expect the FDA to approve Pfizer’s vaccine for those at least 12 years old as soon as next week.
Northam urged anyone on the fence about getting a vaccine to talk to their doctor about any concerns. He contracted COVID-19 in October and said Thursday he still can’t smell or taste.
“I’ve had COVID, and I’ve had the vaccine,” he said. “Between the two, it’s an easy choice. I’ll take the vaccine any day.”
You can find a vaccination site near you at vaccinate.virginia.gov/ or by calling 877-829-4682.
Katherine Hafner, 757-222-5208, katherine.hafner@pilotonline.com
