Life is returning to normal, as COVID restrictions are lifted
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| Audacious Aleworks of Falls Church announced all distancing measures are lifted, full bar seating is in effect, and patrons no longer need a table to be served. |
Gov. Ralph Northam’s Executive Order 79 to lift all remaining COVID capacity limits for gatherings and social distancing requirements took effect at noon today.
“With COVID 19 vaccines now widely available, it is time to begin our new normal,” Northam tweeted.
That executive order lifts the state’s indoor mask mandate for fully vaccinated individuals – although masks are still required in some settings.
A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two weeks after receiving the single-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson.
Masks are still required in these settings:
- Students, faculty, staff, and visitors (regardless of vaccination status) in public and private K-12 indoor school settings.
- Public transit, including the Fairfax Connector and Fastran.
- Healthcare facilities, including all clinic settings operated by the Fairfax County Health Department and the Community Services Board.
- Congregate settings, including jails, group homes, and shelters.
Employees in other workplace settings, such as childcare and summer camps, must continue to abide by CDC guidelines. The CDC eased up on its restrictions for summer camp on May 28.
Private entities, such as grocery stores and restaurants, may still require masks.
Related story: Northam lifts mask indoor mandate – for some settings
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) still recommends that people who are not fully vaccinated continue to practice physical distancing.
Although capacity limits, distancing and other business requirements are lifted now, VDH continues to encourage businesses and other establishments to follow VDH/CDC recommendations and best practices for masking, distancing, handwashing, cleaning, symptom screening, and ventilation.