Important changes to Virginia COVID-19 regulations

Campus Community,

As COVID-19 surges in many states across the country, Gov. Ralph Northam announced new actions to mitigate the spread of the virus in Virginia. While the virus is not rising as rapidly in Virginia as in other states, the governor has announced a series of new regulations that will work to prevent the rise. These new regulations and their potential impact to you as a student are outlined below.

Reduction in public and private gatherings to 25 persons. All public and private in-person gatherings must be limited to 25 individuals, down from the current cap of 250 people. This includes outdoor and indoor settings.

What DOES change?

• All university-sponsored programming and/or events hosted will have no more than 25 individuals present.
• Attendance at home basketball games will be limited and more information on this will be coming directly from Athletics.
• At UREC, this will limit all group exercise classes and other programs for which a registration is required to 25. 

What DOES NOT change?

1. The expectations and commitments all JMU students signed in the Fall Stop the Spread Agreement, including, but not limited to:

• Physical distancing requirements
• Proper mask use
• Good personal hygiene
• Not attending or hosting private social gatherings, on or off campus, larger than 10 people*
• Not hosting guests in a residence hall unless they are current residents of that hall**

*Social gatherings of 10 or less must still comply with physical distancing recommendations, mask use requirements, and the expectations in the agreement for residence halls. As a reminder, students who host or attend large mass gatherings are subject to immediate suspension or expulsion from JMU.

**Students living on campus should adhere to the occupancy and room type limits in their residence hall. If you are unsure about your room occupancy limits, contact your RA.

Students will still be held accountable by OSARP for not adhering to the Stop the Spread Agreement. If found responsible, this will mean a student will have a disciplinary record and sanctions ranging from disciplinary probation and educational programs up to immediate suspension or expulsion from JMU.

2. Student organizations that want to host in-person events must have them on campus. Student organizations are required to follow the Event Management Services Protocols and Guidelines. This includes: Limit of 50% of Max Capacity of space OR up to 25 people (whichever is LESS). Off-campus events/social gatherings should not be held.

3. This regulation does not impact class size in education. You may see in-person classes above 25. Those classes will continue abiding by safety regulations, which include mask-wearing and social distancing.

Expansion of mask mandate: All Virginians aged 5 and over are required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces.

Strengthened enforcement within essential retail businesses: All essential retail businesses, including grocery stores and pharmacies, must adhere to statewide guidelines for physical distancing, wearing face coverings and enhanced cleaning.

On-site alcohol sales curfew: The on-site sale, consumption and possession of alcohol is prohibited after 10 p.m. in any restaurant, dining establishment, food court, brewery, microbrewery, distillery, winery or tasting room.

To see the full Executive Order 67, please use https://www.governor.virginia.gov/executive-actions/.

Thank you for keeping our community safe.

Take Care,
Dr. Tim Miller