RICHMOND, Va. - Governor Northam has released some updates on his guidance for masks indoors, following the CDC now recommending people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 wear masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging.
On Thursday, Northam tweeted saying "All Virginians should consider wearing a mask in public indoor settings where there is increased risk of COVID-19 transmission, as the new CDC guidance recommends."
On Wednesday News 3 reported thatNortham said his team was continuing to look into updated CDC guidance regarding mask wearing for vaccinated people.
Now, Northam is recommending that all people, regardless of vaccination status wear masks indoors in public where COVID-19 cases are on the rise. Several areas in Hampton Roads are in the high threshold, including Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.
Northam said, "We know the vaccines work—since January, over 98% of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths have been among unvaccinated Virginians. But we are now seeing a rise in cases due to the Delta variant. VDH reported more than 1,110 new cases today, up from less than 200 a month ago."
Northam added, "This is not a requirement, but a recommendation," when talking about masks indoors.
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Masks are effective at preventing the spread of #COVID19, but getting vaccinated is the surest way we can bring this pandemic to an end. All three vaccines are safe, effective, and free.
— Governor Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) July 29, 2021
Let's keep Virginia moving forward—do your part and get your shot: https://t.co/loFwXNE6Rr