Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam lifted coronavirus-related restrictions on capacity and social distancing in the state on Friday. He had already lifted Virginia’s indoor mask mandate for fully vaccinated people on May 15 for most indoor settings, although businesses can still require masks if they want to.
On Friday, Virginia’s positivity rate the percentage of people testing positive for the virus in the last seven days stood at 2.6%. About 54% of the state s population has received at least one dose of vaccination, and nearly 44% is fully vaccinated, according to Virginia Department of Health data.
Northam, who is a pediatric neurologist by occupation, said that there is “finally a very bright light at the end of this long tunnel” due to Biden following scientists advice on his approach to the pandemic.
Malaysia declares total lockdown for two weeks after Covid-19 cases increase
From CNN s Elaine Ly and Jaide Garcia
Malaysia will implement a two-week total lockdown on social and economic sectors, according to a statement from the prime minister s office and reported by state media Bernama News Agency on Friday.
The Malaysian National Security Council will oversee the lockdown, according to the statement. Beginning June 1, all sectors will not be allowed to operate, except for essential economic and service sectors to be listed by MKN.
The statement attributes the decision to the latest rise in Covid-19 cases, saying the country is seeing daily cases exceeding 8,000 and over 70,000 active cases, as well as the presence of a new variant with a high and rapid infection rate.
President Biden, addressing the evolving landscape of foreign threats to the country, told troops Friday that China thinks it will “own America” in the next 15 years.
President Biden marked the start of the Memorial Day weekend by visiting troops and thanking military families for their ongoing sacrifice and service.