The Virginia Department of Health is encouraging Virginias to continue wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 “as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and allowed by law.”

According to a press release, while vaccination is the best defense against the virus, masks are also an important tool for protection.

“There is no legal barrier to wearing masks to protect oneself and others from the virus,” said the release, “nor should anyone be penalized for doing so.”

While state law prohibits wearing a mask for the purpose of concealing one’s identity, said the release, it does not prohibit wearing a mask for the purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

“This is true even now that Virginia is no longer under a statewide declaration of emergency,” said the release.

A mask mandate continues to be in effect for schools until July 25, said the release. Masks must be worn by persons aged 5 years or older while indoors at a public or private sch...