Arlington Makes Masks Optional In County Buildings

ARLINGTON, VA — Starting Thursday, Arlington County will no longer require masks for the public and most employees while inside county government facilities based on new guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the county said Wednesday.

With Arlington's announcement, all Northern Virginia jurisdictions have lifted mask requirements inside government buildings or have made plans to make masks optional.

Across the region, masks will still be required in some locations, such as public transportation and where health or medical services are provided. By federal mandate, for example, masks must still be worn on Metro buses and Metro trains, as well as commercial aircraft.

Arlington County's decision follows new CDC guidance issued last Friday, which updated how it monitors COVID-19’s impact on communities. The CDC’s new tool looks at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area to determine a level of low, medium, or high.

Currently, Arlington County is “low,” meaning individuals may choose to wear a mask based on personal preference and level of risk of developing severe illness.

For the public and most employees, masks will no longer be required inside county facilities, so long as Arlington is in the “low” level.

On Tuesday, Arlington Public Schools gave everyone entering a school building the option not to wear a mask. This included students, teachers, staff members and visitors. No opt-out form was required.

People who are at increased risk of severe illness should still consider taking extra precautions even when the COVID-19 community level is low, the county said.

On Monday, Fairfax County announced that masks would no longer be required in most county government facilities for county employees and visitors. The City of Alexandria made masks optional in government buildings on Tuesday. The City of Falls Church said Wednesday it was lifting its mask requirement in government buildings, effective immediately.

Arlington County warned residents that the pandemic is not over and that vaccination remains the best protections from COVID-19. The CDC recommends everyone 5 years and older be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. To find a vaccine location, visit vaccines.gov, walk in to one of the County’s clinics, or call the county's COVID-19 hotline at 703-228-7999.

RELATED: New COVID-19 Mask Guidance Issued For Arlington Public Schools