Thursday, Gov. Ralph Northam announced a new, modified stay-at-home order going into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday mandating a curfew.
Residents are ordered to say home between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. There is the exception for people traveling to and from work, getting food and goods, or seeking medical attention.
The order also reduced allowed social gatherings from 25 people to 10 people. This does not apply to religious services, employment settings or educational settings.
Mask wearing is also being expanded, requiring all people over the age of 5 to wear a mask when outside of their home, even if outdoors. This aligns with the new Centers for Disease and Prevention Control’s (CDC) guidelines on universal masking.
“Virginians, if you don’t have to be out, stay at home. Whenever we are around other people, we all need to wear a mask, indoors and out,” Northam said in a press release.
The order continues the restrictions on dining, which prohibits the on-site sale and consumption of alcohol after 10 p.m. and requiring all dining establishments to close by midnight. The order also strongly encourages teleworking.
“While Virginia’s new cases per capita remain lower than 43 other states, all of the Commonwealth’s five health regions are experiencing increases in COVID-19 cases, positive tests, and hospitalizations,” the press release stated. “More than 2,000 Virginians are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 statewide, an increase of over 80 percent in the last four weeks.”
The order will be in effect until January 31, 2021 unless amended.
