Is wearing face covering illegal in Virginia?
Virginia Code 18.2-422 makes it a Class 6 felony “for any person over 16 years of age to, with the intent to conceal his identity, wear any mask, hood or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer.”
Is it a felony to wear a mask in public in Virginia?
GENERAL LAWS ABOUT MASKS The Commonwealth of Virginia considers it to be a crime if you cover your face in order to conceal your identity from others. It is actually a Class 6 Felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
Do you have to wear a mask in public in Virginia?
Important! Everyone age 2 and up should wear a mask in indoor public spaces. Virginia communities currently have high levels of COVID-19 transmission.
Is wearing a mask in public illegal?
Wearing a mask is believed to be so effective that 34 states and the District of Columbia have mandated masks or face coverings in public places. At least 18 states and the District of Columbia, however, have laws that penalize those who wear face masks.
Is it a felony to wear a face mask in Virginia?
Reverting To A Face Mask Ban Virginia Code 18.2-422 makes it a Class 6 felony “for any person over 16 years of age to, with the intent to conceal his identity, wear any mask, hood or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer.”
Is it illegal to wear a mask in DC?
The District of Columbia also has an anti-mask law, where it only applies when someone is trying to hide their identity with the intent to intimidate or harass someone else. That law has been temporarily repealed by emergency legislation which will last until August 1st.
When did Virginia ban the wearing of masks?
As part of the fight to prevent the Klan from rebuilding, Virginia Gov. John Battle recommended a new law. He asked the General Assembly to ban all wearing of masks and burning crosses in public. They agreed, approving the plan in March 1953. It’s hard to tell what impact, if any, the new law had.
Is the anti mask law still in effect?
Even though the emergency order has been waiving the anti-mask law as it pertains to medical masks, respirators and other COVID face coverings, the law has been and will continue to be in full effect for masks that are not for these medical purposes. “The waiver applies to medical uses,” Szmak said.