Mask Up, Virginia

Dear Faith and Community Leaders,

Our faith communities have played an important role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 by modifying long-standing religious traditions and supporting community members in their time of need. We sincerely thank you for the contributions you have made to our COVID-19 response. We ask that you continue to support our statewide efforts under Executive Order 63: Requirement to wear face-covering while inside buildings.

Executive Order 63 , requiring individuals to wear a face-covering while inside buildings went into effect 12:00 a.m., May 2, 2020. This requirement also applies to religious serves (all places of worship). Wearing a face covering is mandatory for religious services. The exemption for “religious rituals” was intended to allow for practices, including but not limited to communion, where face coverings must be removed temporarily. Additional mandatory requirements can be found in Phase Three Guidelines for Religious Services under Executive Order 67 and Executive Order 68 .

Thank you again for your continued efforts to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Virginia Department of Health
Office of Health Equity
Virginia Partners In Prayer & Prevention

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