New COVID-19 restrictions go in place in Virginia Sunday

Heather Curtis

WMAL.com

New COVID-19 restrictions will go in places in Virginia starting Sunday at midnight. Gov. Ralph Northam announced the restrictions in a video posted to Twitter Friday. They are:

-In-person gatherings will be limited to 25 people, down from 250.

-People older than 5 will have to wear masks in indoor public places. Now anyone 10 and older must wear them.

-Essential businesses who don’t comply with statewide health guidelines, including mask requirements and enhanced cleaning, will be subject to a misdemeanor.

-Restaurants and bars will not be able to serve alcohol for on-site consumption after 10.

“I know everyone is tired of the pandemic and tired of restrictions on our lives, but for the sake of your family, your neighbors, your coworkers, our healthcare providers and even the person you pass in the grocery store, please keep following the guidelines,” Northam said Thursday.

He said mitigation measures work noting the drop in cases after restrictions were put in place in the spring.

The virus is spreading in indoor places like restaurants where people take off their masks, according to Northam, and when people get together with friends and family. The governor urged people to forego traditional Thanksgiving get- togethers and stay home.

Across Virginia, Northam said new confirmed cases, the positivity rate, hospitalizations and deaths are increasing.

“I am confident that we can get our numbers back down, but it requires all of us to make smart choices. It always has. Your behavior makes a difference,” Northam said.