Virginia Governor Ralph Northam recommending masks indoors as Delta variant spreads
RICHMOND, Va. - As the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads in the greater D.C. region and beyond – especially among the unvaccinated – Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is now recommending that people wear masks indoors.
The move comes shortly after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that a mask mandate has been restored for anyone indoor, regardless of vaccination status.
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A number of jurisdictions that had rolled back mask requirements are now restoring them amid soaring cases – primarily among the unvaccinated.
Northam stressed that his announcement is a recommendation – not an order.
READ MORE: DC Mayor Muriel Bowser restores mask mandates indoors – regardless of vaccination status
A number of counties in Virginia – including Northern Virginia – are categorized as "substantial" in reference to their risk of COVID-19 transmission.
On Wednesday, Stafford and Loudoun counties were both categorized as "substantial," while Spotsylvania was rated as "high."