Face Coverings and the Governor’s Mandate

RVAchironeuro • May 28, 2020

Hello again:

Here is an update from the Virginia Chiropractic Association regarding face masks and the Governor’s mandate you need to be aware of:

“According to Ms. Tai Maynard of the Virginia Department of Health earlier today regarding Governor Northam’s Executive Order #63:

  • Doctors’ offices ARE included in what the governor refers to as ‘public spaces.’ It is expected that the doctor and employees will wear face coverings.
  • Patients are considered ‘patrons’ in the governor’s EO, so they are required to wear face coverings, too.

From the EO, the requirement to wear a face covering does not apply to following:

1. While eating or drinking;

2. Individuals exercising or using exercise equipment;

3. Any person who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance;

4. Any person seeking to communicate with the hearing impaired and for which the mouth needs to be visible;

5. When temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to secure government or medical services; and

6. Persons with health conditions that prohibit wearing a face covering. Nothing in this Order shall require the use of a face covering by any person for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition.

The EO states that, ‘Any person who declines to wear a face covering because of a medical condition shall not be required to produce or carry medical documentation verifying the stated condition nor shall the person be required to identify the precise underlying medical condition.’

For the full Executive Order, go to:

The governor has stated that the intent of this EO is not to get people in trouble, but to keep the public safe – especially the workers who have to be out in public. This is not a criminal matter. If someone wants to complain about a business not wearing a face covering, he/she would contact his or her public health department. Enforcement is also discussed in the EO.”

Bottom Line:  When coming into the office for an appointment, make sure you are wearing a face mask. Should you not have a face mask, one can be provided. (Note: Limited quantities.)

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