Mask Guidance
The Health Department does not issue mandates or regulations regarding the wearing of masks. Our role is to provide guidance and recommendations on executive orders from the Governor’s office. Swimming pool facility owners and operators are responsible for managing their facilities so that the public is kept safe. This includes providing clear messaging to pool patrons about masks being worn around the pool.
While Individuals who are fully vaccinated may remove their mask in most settings, individuals who are not fully vaccinated should continue to mask and remain physically distanced in most settings.
The CDC continues to recommend universal masking (regardless of vaccination status) in schools, child care settings, healthcare settings, homeless shelters, and correctional facilities. Regardless of vaccination status, individuals must also continue to wear a mask while accessing public transportation, per a federal requirement. See more information about mask recommendations/requirements.
Best Practices
Although capacity limits, distancing, and other business requirements are fully lifted, businesses and other establishments are encouraged to follow Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and CDC recommendations and best practices for masking, distancing, handwashing, cleaning, symptom screening, ventilation, etc. New guidance to reflect these changes available from VDH, see: General Recommendations for Businesses.
For more detailed prevention and mitigation guidance for specific sectors (such as schools, sports, camps, pools, etc.), continue to refer to VDH Website for Schools, Workplaces, and Communities and also CDC guidance.
Additional requirements for employees and employers can be found in the Department of Labor and Industry’s Final Permanent Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention of the SARS- CoV-2 Virus that Causes COVID-19 and FAQs.
