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As coronavirus cases surge across the commonwealth and the nation, some businesses and agencies will require people to wear masks indoors.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that people in areas with higher levels of community spread should mask up indoors regardless of vaccination status. The federal health agency tracks the virus’ spread for each state, city and county using its data tracker.
There are four levels for community transmission — low, moderate, substantial and high. Public health experts encourage mask-wearing in places where the virus’ spread is substantial or high.
A recent CDC investigation showed some fully vaccinated people can contract a more contagious mutation known as the the delta variant.
As of Aug. 13, there have been 4,056 “breakthrough” cases and 52 deaths across the commonwealth among those fully vaccinated. The number of breakthrough cases account for .086% of nearly 4.7 million vaccinated Virginians, according to state health department data.
Although fully vaccinated people can become infected with COVID-19, public health officials say they are less likely to develop severe infection or die.
Virginians are not required to wear masks in areas where the virus is thriving at higher rates, but Gov. Ralph Northam said on Twitter that people across the commonwealth “should consider wearing a mask in public indoor settings where there is increased risk of #COVID19 transmission.”
Below is an alphabetically-ordered list of institutions in Hampton Roads requiring patrons to wear masks inside their facilities.
Hear about a business, school or institution requiring masks for visitors? Email us at tips@pilotonline.com.
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Christopher Newport University
Christopher Newport University announced Tuesday, Aug. 10, that face masks will be required in shared, indoor spaces. The temporary mandate applies to students, faculty and visitors effective at 5 a.m. Aug. 12.
Students attending CNU in the fall are also required to be fully vaccinated except for those who have medical or religious exemptions. Students were asked to provide documentation of their vaccination status by Aug. 1.
CNU’s mask policy applies to all classrooms, labs, shared offices and indoor hallways. It does not apply to single-occupant offices, student rooms or common areas in residence halls. The university plans to re-evaluate their policy by mid-September.
CNU is the latest university to update its mask policy as coronavirus cases continue to surge. William and Mary’s mask mandate went into effect today. Other institutions like Virginia Tech and University of Virginia announced they’d be requiring students to wear mask as well.
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The Chrysler Museum of Art
The Chrysler Museum of Art announced Aug. 16 that all visitors are required to wear masks in the museum, regardless of vaccination status. The rule does not apply to children who are 3-years-old and younger.
The museum’s restaurant, Wisteria, is open with grab-and-go food options. The Museum Shop remains open but at limited capacity.
An online FAQ about the museum’s COVID-19 policies offers more information.
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Home Depot
As of Aug. 2, Home Depot requires all store associates, contractors and vendors to wear mask while indoors regardless of their vaccination status. That includes its stores, distribution centers, office locations and customers’ homes or businesses. Employees aren’t required to be full vaccinated but are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine. Home Depot also asks customers to wear mask while in its stores and will provide one for those who don’t have one.
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Military installation and other facilities
The Department of Defense announced July 28 it will require workers and visitors to wear masks indoors at military installations and facilities where community transmission is “substantial” or “high.” The mandate applies to service members, federal personnel, contractors and visitors.
Department personnel are expected to comply with federal guidelines regarding where to wear a mask aside from DoD-owned facilities.
Hampton Roads is home to several military installations, including:
- Joint Base Langley-Eustis
- Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
- Fifth Coast Guard District
- Marine Corps Forces Command
- Naval Air Station Oceana - Virginia Beach
- Naval Air Station Oceana - Dam Neck
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
- Naval Station Norfolk
- Naval Weapons Station Yorktown
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Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University announced July 28 all students and staff must wear a mask indoors. The university will also require students and employees to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Officials attributed mask and vaccination requirements to the delta variant as cases increase across the region.
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Norfolk city buildings
On July 31, the City of Norfolk announced all visitors are required to wear face coverings while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. People are also encouraged practice social distancing while inside city buildings. City employees will continue to wear face coverings inside city buildings.
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Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University is the latest college to update its indoor mask policy as the spread of the delta variant increases. University President Brian Hemphill addressed the changes in press release Wednesday, Aug. 11.
ODU will follow the up-to-date recommendations of the CDC requiring students and faculty to wear face masks in all indoor public spaces, including classrooms, facilities and buildings until further notice. Their policy will go into effect Aug. 16.
All on-campus students, faculty and staff will be required to be vaccinated by Sept. 1. Exemptions can be requested for medical reasons or religious beliefs. All unvaccinated individuals, including those with exemptions, will be subject to required weekly testing.
Students, faculty and staff will also be required to provide proof of their vaccination status or proof of a medical or religious exemption.
In addition to the measures all symptomatic students, faculty and staff must be tested and follow university protocols before being cleared to return. COVID-19 testing is available for all ODU students by contacting Student Health Services. Employees may get tested through their health care provider or schedule an appointment through the campus testing center.
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Target
As of Aug. 3, Target will require all store employees to wear a mask regardless of location. Customers do not have to wear a mask but are “strongly encouraged” to do so in areas where the virus is spreading at higher rates.
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Walmart and Sam’s Club
Stores associates are expected to wear masks at Walmart locations — stores and distribution centers — where community spread is substantial or high. The retail company updated its masking policy July 30 to align with CDC guidance.
Masking requirements only apply to employees.
Walmart and Sam’s doubled its COVID-19 vaccine incentive to $150, hoping it will encourage more workers to get inoculated. Employees will also receive three days of paid leave if they develop an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
Staff writer Elisha Sauers contributed to this report.