RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Governor Ralph Northam is increasing the number of people who can attend high school and college graduations this spring in Virginia.

The guidelines released on Wednesday say outdoor graduations will be capped at 5,000 people or 30 percent of the venue’s capacity, whichever is less. Events held indoors will have stricter guidelines, only allowing 500 people or 30 percent occupancy.

“We’re going to encourage graduations to be outdoors,” Northam told 8News ahead of the announcement on Tuesday. “We know there is less of a chance of contracting COVID if you are outdoors and in open air.”

Northam said people who attend these events must wear face masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

The change came after parents filed multiple petitions seeking an increase in the number of participants allowed at outdoor gatherings.