Certain COVID-19 restrictions are easing in Virginia.
The change is due to the increase in COVID-19 vaccines, according to a release from the Joint Information Center.
“With increased vaccination capacity and our health metrics continuing to trend the right direction, we can safely take these targeted steps to ease certain mitigation measures,” Governor Ralph Northam said in a release.
He added that it’s important for community members to continue protecting themselves and others.
Starting Thursday, social gathering limitations will rise from 10 to 50 people for indoor events and from 25 to 100 individuals for outdoor gatherings.
Additionally, more spectators will be allowed at sporting events.
Indoor activities may have 100 attendees per field or 30 percent of the capacity – whatever is the lesser of the two. Up to 500 spectators or 30 percent of the capacity are permitted at outdoor events, whichever is lesser.
The limit has been 25 people for indoor recreational activities and 250 spectators for outdoor sporting events.
Five thousand people or 30 percent of a venue’s capacity – whatever is less – can be at outdoor graduations and commencements. Indoor events are limited to 500 people or 30 percent of the capacity, which is the lesser option.
Wearing face masks and practicing social distancing is required.