Gathering size limitations are relaxed

March 26, 2021

As COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to rise, Virginia is allowing relaxed guidelines on the size of event crowds and gatherings.

Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday that:

• The maximum number of people permitted in a social gathering will increase from 10 to 50 people indoors and from 25 to 100 people outdoors.

• Indoor and outdoor entertainment and public amusement venues must continue to operate at 30 percent capacity. Indoor venues must operate at 30 percent capacity or with a maximum of 500 people, an increase from the current cap of 250 people. Outdoor venues must operate at 30 percent capacity, with no specific cap on the number of attendees. These venues were previously limited to 30 percent capacity or up to 1,000 attendees, whichever was fewer.

• Sporting event spectator limits will increase from 25 to 100 people per field or 30 percent capacity, whichever is less for indoor settings, and from 250 to 500 people per field or 30 percent capacity, whichever is less for outdoor settings.

• Last week, Northam released preliminary guidelines for K-12 and higher education graduation ceremonies this spring.

Outdoor events will be capped at 5,000 people or 30 percent of the venue’s capacity, whichever is less. Indoor events can host up to 500 people or 30 percent of capacity.

Attendees must wear masks and follow other guidelines including physical distancing.