Northam admits error in beach visit without mask

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam admitted he "was not prepared" and left his mask in his vehicle on Saturday  when he was photographed with well-wishers during a visit to Virginia Beach.

Critics chided Northam, who has repeatedly urged Virginians to cover their faces in public during the pandemic, for not heeding his own words.

"People held me accountable and I appreciate that in the future, when I'm out in the public, I will be better prepared," he said.

"We're all forming new habits and routines and we're all adjusting to this new normal."

Although most of the state has entered into Phase One of reopening the economy, Northern Virginia lagged behind other regions of the Old Dominion.

Northam told reporters that he plans to give the region around the nation's capital the green light to move ahead with the first phase, starting this coming Friday.

He also told reporters that face coverings will be required indoors in public places throughout the state, starting on that date.

"That's at a store, a barber shop, a restaurant on public transportation, at a government building or anywhere where people can congregate in groups," he says.

"I'm taking this step because science increasingly shows us that the virus spreads less easily when everyone is wearing face coverings."

Northam says failing to wear a mask will not be a criminal matter, and police will not be enforcing the mandate.

"This is a matter of public health, and as a result, any enforcement that is needed will be done by our health officials," he says.