Va. governor removes universal mask mandate for vaccinated employees and customers

Gov. Ralph Northam has announced Virginia is lifting its universal indoor mask mandate to put it in line with new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control on face coverings.

That means fully vaccinated people don’t have to wear a mask indoors in most settings, although mask-wearing mandates still apply to vaccinated people in health care facilities, public transit and in congregate settings, the governor’s office says.

“Our mask order is now aligned with CDC guidance. Fully vaccinated employees and patrons are not required to wear masks,” the governor’s office says. “Unvaccinated employees must, and unvaccinated patrons should, continue to wear masks in most settings per CDC guidance.”

Following the governor’s announcement, businesses are still within their rights to continue enforcing their own mask-wearing requirements for employees and customers even if they are vaccinated. The governor’s office notes that employees in some business sectors, such as retail, restaurants, fitness, personal care and entertainment must continue to wear masks unless they’re fully vaccinated.

For questions on requiring employees to be vaccinated or having employees show proof of having done so, see questions 19 thru 23 on the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry Final Standard for COVID-19 FAQs.