Face Coverings and Precautions During COVID-19
September 18, 2020
Dear Colleague:
As Commissioner of Health and as Director of the Department of Health Professions (DHP), we are writing to remind all health care practitioners in Virginia of your important role in protecting the health and safety of Virginians by adhering to Executive Orders for wearing face coverings and taking precautions during the COVID-19 crisis.
Effective May 29, 2020, Executive Order 63 mandated that face coverings be worn in any “indoor place shared by groups of people who are in close proximity to each other,” such as a health care practice. Likewise, Executive Order 67, effective August 21, 2020, mandated that all businesses should adhere to the Guidelines for All Business Sectors.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has received numerous complaints from citizens of the Commonwealth relating to non-compliance with these Orders, and some have pertained to practices of professionals licensed by one of the boards at DHP. Not only should DHP licensees be following the mandates and best practices for safety, but they should be the role models for such practices.
Again, we would like to stress the vital role that you play in protecting the public during this challenging time. Information specific to health professionals can be found on the VDH, DHP, and CDC websites.
Thank you in advance for your help in limiting the spread of COVID-19.
M. Norman Oliver, MD, MA
State Health Commissioner
David E. Brown, DC
Director, Department of Health Professions