Virginia Department of Health

Virginia’s Health is in Your Hands. Do your part, stop the spread.

We need everyone’s help to stop the spread. Individuals, communities, businesses, and healthcare organizations all play an important role in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Northam announced that Virginia enters Phase Three of the Forward Virginia reopening plan on Wednesday, July 1.
VDH urges all Virginians to continue to limit exposure by staying 6 feet from others and wearing a cloth mask while in public settings.
Governor Northam announced a mask mandate, which requires Virginians over 10-years-old to wear face coverings in public settings, effective May 29.
Wash your hands often, stay home if you are sick, and disinfect high-touch surfaces. These are all very important ways to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
It is important for people at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19, such as older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions (and those who live with them), to protect themselves from getting COVID-19.
All Virginians should limit group gatherings of more than 250. Continue to practice social distancing, avoid mass gatherings and crowded places.

Extreme Heat Safety Tips
Summer temperatures in Virginia normally climb into the upper 90’s and even reach over 100 degrees at times. The hot temperatures and high heat indexes can cause ill health effects. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause cramping, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.…Read more
Preparing for Hurricane Season During the COVID-19 Pandemic
While we are all still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also time to prepare for the possibility of hurricanes affecting the Commonwealth. Hurricane season started June 1 and continues through the summer and fall until November 30. Planning for hurricane season may be different this year. To protect ourselves and our loved ones, we will need…Read more
Stay Safe and Healthy in Your Backyard Pool #swimhealthyva
Happy Healthy and Safe Swimming Week May 18 – 24, 2020! Public and private pools around Virginia begin to open in late May, making this the ideal time to talk about ways to reduce the risk of recreational water-associated illness, drowning, and injury in our communities. Water is not only fun to play and cool off in, but…Read more

Virginia’s Health is in Your Hands. Do your part, stop the spread.