VA Mask, COVID-19 Restrictions Now In Hands Of Local Schools

VIRGINIA — Local school districts will be able to determine their own mask and COVID-19 prevention measures for the upcoming school year thanks to updated guidance from the Virginia Department of Health.

“Virginia has followed the science throughout this pandemic, and that’s what we continue to do,” said Gov. Ralph Northam said, in a release. “This guidance takes into consideration recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics, and will provide necessary flexibility for school divisions while ensuring a safe, healthy, and world-class learning environment for Virginia’s students."

The new guidance replaces the State Health Commissioner's Public Health Order, which was in effect until Sunday and won't be extended. Local school jurisdictions will now be able to implement their own mask policies based on recommendations from public health officials and community level conditions.

In accordance with the latest CDC information, Virginia is recommending local school divisions adopt the following guidance for the 2021-22 school year:

• Elementary schools should implement a requirement that students, teachers, and staff wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, until vaccination is available for children under 12 years old and there has been sufficient time to allow for children younger than 12 years old to be fully vaccinated.
• At a minimum, middle and high schools should implement a requirement that students, teachers and staff who are not fully vaccinated wear masks indoors. While school divisions regularly confirm school-required immunization records of their students, they should consult with their counsel in determining if and how to confirm student and staff COVID-19 vaccinations.
• All schools may want to consider universal masking for specific reasons as outlined in certain circumstances by the CDC.
• All schools should be prepared to adjust local mask policies as local public health conditions evolve throughout the year.

Despite the changes announced by Northam's office on Wednesday, the CDC's federal order requiring that everyone taking public transportation must wear a mask is still in effect. That means students traveling in buses operated by Virginia public schools must continue to wear masks.

During its 2021 legislative session, the Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1303, which required that in-person instruction be available to all students when the returned to school for the fall semester. This new guidance directs schools to implement physical distancing of at least 3 feet to the greatest extent possible, but in-person learning should not be reduced to maintain that minimum distance.

“We know that students learn best in school buildings, and this guidance ensures that divisions have the flexibility and support they need to provide access to in-person learning 5 days a week,” Secretary of Education Atif Qarni said, in a release. “I’m grateful to all of the school administrators, educators, and staff who have gone above and beyond to provide high quality instruction and support to students during this challenging time.”

Northam strongly urged all eligible Virginians to get vaccinated, adding that getting a should would protect you, your family, and your community — and it is the only way we can beat this pandemic once and for all.”

With vaccination the leading strategy for preventing the spread of COVID-19, state health and school officials see the vaccination of all eligible students, teachers, and staff as a crucial prevention measure.

“As schools prepare to welcome students back for the 2021-2022 school year, our priority is safely providing in-person instruction so that each and every child can learn and thrive in the classroom,” said Dr. James Lane, Virginia's superintendent of public instruction, in a release. “With this latest guidance and ample federal pandemic relief funds available to school divisions, our local school leaders are equipped to implement appropriate mitigation strategies and ensure student and staff safety within the schools in their communities.”