COVID-19 Mitigation Measures Updated May 28

On May 28, Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) stores will align with the commonwealth in lifting COVID-19 social distancing requirements.

Following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and an announcement from Governor Northam, Virginia ABC stores will no longer require customers to stand six feet apart.

“Virginia has made great progress in the fight against COVID-19, and we’re happy to be taking these steps to return to pre-pandemic operations in our stores,” said Virginia ABC Chief Executive Officer Travis Hill. “Vaccination is key to the commonwealth’s success in this fight, and we echo Governor Northam’s call to encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”

As of May 15, fully vaccinated customers and employees are no longer required to wear a face mask in ABC stores. Fully vaccinated means more than two weeks have passed since receiving the second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or more than two weeks have passed after receiving a single dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).

Unvaccinated customers and employees will still be required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering. ABC will not require proof of vaccination from customers. Anyone who has not yet made arrangements to get vaccinated can do so online at www.vaccinate.virginia.gov.

Some safety measures recommended for retailers by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the CDC will remain in place in all 394 stores. These include:

• Plexiglas shields at registers
• Daily cleaning and sanitizing with particular attention to most frequented areas, including checkout counters and high-touch surfaces such as door handles and knobs and
• Hand sanitizer at registers for customer and employee use.

As an alternative to in-store shopping, customers can place orders online at www.abc.virginia.gov for curbside pickup or home delivery in nearly all areas of the commonwealth.

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The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) is a major source of revenue for the commonwealth, contributing more than $2.3 billion to the general fund in the last five years. Virginia ABC currently operates 394 state stores, and provides alcohol education and prevention programs for people of all ages. Its Bureau of Law Enforcement oversees approximately 19,000 ABC licensed establishments. Now marking its 87th year, ABC remains committed to progress and innovation in carrying out its vision of bringing good spirits and excellent service to Virginia.

Web: www.abc.virginia.gov Facebook: @VirginiaABC Twitter: @VirginiaABC