Governor Ralph Northam signed an order requiring Virginians to wear face coverings in public indoor settings, starting Friday, May 29. This statewide requirement helps protect workers and consumers as Virginia gradually eases public health restrictions. Wearing face coverings is an additional step to maintaining six feet of physical distancing, increasing cleaning and sanitation, and washing hands regularly. Learn more about face coverings in Arlington here.
What is “We Are Covered?”
“We Are Covered” is how businesses, faith communities and multi-family residences across Arlington are safely welcoming their workers, residents, members and customers back to in-person activities. A “We Are Covered” certified business or residence has pledged to protect people who come through their doors by actively participating in this important face covering requirement.
As we gradually step back into shopping, dining out, exercising and more in public, our community is stepping up to show a united front for public safety measures. Look for “We Are Covered” badges posted in retail stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, salons, grocery stores, hotels, churches, synagogues, mosques and more – and sign up below! Display your badge on your door or window to let workers, customers, and passersby know you prioritize their health. Let’s make Arlington fully covered!
Ready to join? Sign up below!
We Are In! Voice your support here
Pledge your support for this important public requirement below to get a free “We Are Covered” badge just for Arlington businesses, faith communities and multi-family residences. There’s a badge available for immediate download after registration and a window cling sticker that will arrive in the mail. Please allow extra time for delayed shipping speeds.
FAQs
What is a face covering? Does everyone have to wear one, even kids?
- A face covering includes anything that covers your nose and mouth, such as a mask, scarf, or bandana. Medical-grade masks and personal protective equipment should be reserved for health care professionals.
- Under the Governor’s executive order, any person age ten and older must wear a mask or face covering at all times while entering, exiting, traveling through, and spending time in public indoor spaces.
What businesses, buildings, and places are required to have workers and consumers wearing face coverings?
- The requirement applies to these public settings:
- Personal care and grooming businesses
- Essential and non-essential brick and mortar retail including grocery stores and pharmacies
- Food and beverage establishments
- Entertainment or public amusement establishments when permitted to open
- Train stations, bus stations, and on intrastate public transportation, including in waiting or congregating areas
- State and local government buildings and areas where the public accesses services
- Any indoor space shared by groups of people who may congregate within six feet of one another or who are in close proximity to each other for more than ten minutes
What if people are eating or drinking? Or exercising? What are the exemptions to this requirement?
- Exemptions to these guidelines include while eating and drinking at a food and beverage establishment; individuals who are exercising; children under the age of two; a person seeking to communicate with a hearing-impaired person, for which the mouth needs to be visible; and anyone with a health condition that keeps them from wearing a face covering.
- Children over the age of two are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering to the extent possible.
Learn more about Governor Northam’s order here.