RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Gov. Ralph Northam is ordering that Virginians wear masks while in public indoor spaces, saying the measure is needed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Northam said at a news conference Tuesday that he’s ordering masks be worn starting Friday inside all retail stores, while using public transportation, and in any other indoor places where people congregate.
“This is about protecting those around us, especially our workers,” Northam said.
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Northam joins governors in several other states, including neighboring Maryland, who have issued similar requirements.
In practice, Northam’s mask order will be largely voluntary, as the governor said he’s not going to allow any criminal prosecutions of anyone found not wearing a mask. Instead, the governor’s chief of staff, Clark Mercer, said businesses that are being “grossly negligent” could lose their operating licenses.
“This is not about punishing people,” Northam said. “That’s not what we’re going to do here. We’re trying to promote safety.”
But Republican lawmakers decried the order, saying it places unfair mandates on business owners. Senate Republicans issued a statement saying Northam’s mask order should instead be a voluntary recommendation.
Our Governor Idiot In Charge mandates masks and then in the same breath says that law enforcement won't arrest anyone for not wearing a mask. Then he says that if the businesses don't force you to wear a mask he will cancel their business licenses. All of this without waiving Va. Code 18.2-422. Hmmmm.... That means that if you wear a mask and are over 16 you will be committing a class 6 felony all because he didn't waive 18.2-422.
