Masks Indoors Recommended By Fairfax Health Department

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Wearing a mask in indoor public settings is now recommended by the Fairfax County Health Department, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

The health department made the recommendation as Fairfax County moved from moderate to substantial transmission of COVID-19. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance to recommend masks for fully vaccinated people in indoor public places in areas of substantial or high transmission of COVID-19. Unvaccinated people have been advised to continue masking up until fully vaccinated, or two weeks after the final COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Virginia's mask mandate was lifted for fully vaccinated people by Gov. Ralph Northam on May 15. With the new CDC guidance, the governor urged mask wearing in indoor public places where there is increased transmission risk, but it was not a requirement. Meanwhile, DC reintroduced a mask mandate for everyone over age 2 for indoor public settings. Masks remain federally mandated on public transportation, while businesses without a state mandate can choose to impose a mask requirement.

For the Fairfax Health District as a whole (Fairfax County and cities of Falls Church and Fairfax), COVID-19 cases have increased in some recent weeks. The health district had 92 cases during the week of June 27, 173 during the week of July 4, 301 during the week of July 11, 453 during the week of July 18, and 421 during the week of July 25. Deaths have not been reported in the three most recent weeks, but there were three deaths the week of June 27 and two during the week of July 4.

The health department recommends indoor masking in addition to other safety measures. Residents are encouraged to get vaccinated, stay home when sick unless getting tested or medical care, maintain six feet of distance from others, practice proper handwashing, and get tested when showing symptoms of COVID-19.

A large share of the population has already been vaccinated against COVID-19. According to Virginia Department of Health data, 69.4 percent of the Fairfax County adult population is fully vaccinated. The same is true for 71.3 percent of adults in the City of Falls Church and 77.5 percent of adults in the City of Fairfax.