Governor Northam Lifts Mask Mandate to Align with CDC Guidance, Announces Virginia to End COVID-19 Mitigation Measures on May 28

Governor Ralph Northam lifted Virginia’s universal indoor mask mandate to align with new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 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. Do not get rid of your masks; businesses still have the ability to require masks in their establishments.  Governor Northam said that Virginia is able to take these steps as a result of increasing vaccination rates, dramatically declining COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and revised federal guidelines. He stressed that “vaccinations are how we put this pandemic in the rearview mirror and get back to being with the people we love and doing the things we have missed.”  Anyone 12 and older can receive a free COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine at the Newport News Community Vaccination Clinic (CVC), as well as additional sites throughout the Commonwealth. The Newport News CVC is located at 13785 Warwick Boulevard and is open Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted or you can make an appointment by visiting www.vaccinefinder.org and typing Newport News Community Vaccination Center in the search bar. At the CVC, those under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian and be accompanied by a parent, guardian or someone acting in the place of a guardian to receive a vaccine. A list of all available vaccine clinics is online at www.vaccinefinder.org.    During his address on Friday, Governor Northam also announced that Virginia will ease all distancing and capacity restrictions on Friday, May 28, two weeks earlier than planned. Visit www.governor.virginia.gov to view his full update to Virginia residents.