Loudoun Schools Keep Mask Mandate Despite Governor Youngkin's New Executive Order

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Masks will continue to be required in schools in Loudoun County. The school board voted in favor of continuing the mask mandate at a meeting on Tuesday night, despite an executive order from new Governor Glenn Youngkin that would make masks optional.

The mask executive order was one of 11 Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed on his first day in office Saturday. The order states parents have the choice on whether their child should wear a mask for the duration of the school day. The order is effective Monday, Jan. 24 unless rescinded or amended by another order.

Ahead of the 2021-2022 school year, former Gov. Ralph Northam issued a public health order with Virginia Health Commissioner Norman Oliver requiring universal masking in K-12 schools. This aligned with a law passed by the General Assembly that requires school districts to offer in-person learning and "to the maximum extent practicable" follow COVID-19 mitigation strategies from the CDC. The bill expires Aug. 1, 2022.

The current CDC guidance for COVID-19 prevention in K-12 schools calls for universal indoor masking for anyone 2 and older regardless of vaccination status.

The decision to keep the mask mandate was recommended by Superintendent Scott Ziegler and approved by the school board in a vote.

Andrew Hoyler, who represents the Broad Run district on the school board, said more information would be released on Wednesday.

Before Tuesday's school board meeting, parents and community members held a rally outside Loudoun County's government center to support the mask mandate. Loudoun4All, an advocacy group focused on the school system, said their support for masking is related to their desire to maintain a safe learning space for teachers, students, and staff members.