Mask Requirements 'Unchanged' At Prince William County Schools Despite Governor's Order

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — The Prince William County school system said their mask mandate remains "unchanged," despite a new order from Governor Glenn Youngkin that calls for masks to be 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 The order is effective Monday, Jan. 24 unless rescinded or amended by another order.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.

PWCS and other Northern Virginia school districts announced the intent to continue requiring masks. In a letter to families and employees, Superintendent LaTanya McDade said the school system's mitigation measures would remain in place until noted otherwise.

"As the community and nation continue to deal with the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, PWCS remains committed to a multi-layered mitigation strategy to reduce the impact of the virus on students, staff, and visitors," McDade wrote. "PWCS COVID-19 mitigation measures remain unchanged at this time, including mask requirements for students, staff, and visitors."

McDade said the school system is aware of the governor's order, and they are evaluating the order alongside guidance from the Virginia Department of Education and legal requirements.

"As always, any changes to our mitigation strategies will be made thoughtfully and with the health and safety of students and staff as our priority," McDade said. "Any decision to remove a mitigation layer must take into consideration our ability to continue in-person instruction."