On May 28th, the mask mandate and most of the COVID-19 related restrictions imposed by Governor Northam were lifted. This followed guidance from the federal government which recommended that fully-vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask or continue to restrict their behavior.

Governor Northam first imposed a “Stay At Home” order on March 18th, 2020, or about 15 months ago. As of May 31st, 2021, over 135 million Americans are now fully vaccinated – giving the United States one of the highest vaccination rates in the world.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged that there is “a growing body of evidence” that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have asymptomatic infection or transmit COVID-19 to others. According to a study in the journal Nature published May 24th, those who contract COVID-19 may maintain natural immunity for years.

Governor Northam is still mandating that those in schools, including children, continue to wear masks. The Biden administration is also still mandating that masks be worn when using forms of public transportation.

You can read the full press release from the Governor’s office here.

– Coles District Staff