Governor announces he will require masks in some settings

May 26, 2020

Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday that he will issue an executive order requiring people to wear face masks or other suitable coverings at indoor public places as a precaution against spreading the COVID-19 virus.

The order will go into effect Friday.

Exemptions will include when eating or drinking at a restaurant; while exercising; if you have a health condition that prevents wearing a mask; and for children younger than 10 years old.

However, the governor recommended that any child age three or older should wear a face covering in public.

Workers in most jobs will be required to wear masks.

The executive order will be enforced by the Virginia Department of Health and local health officials, not by law enforcement officers.