Virginia's school mask mandate lifted; districts will decide own guidelines

RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) — There's new guidance for this upcoming school year on mask wearing in Virginia schools.

On Wednesday, Virginia’s Department of Health and Education released new guidance about a safe return for school's across the Commonwealth.

State leaders said that in-person learning is critical now more than ever. They announced the State Health Commissioner's Public Health order will expire Sunday, July 25.

That means the mask mandate ends and leaves it up to school boards to decide how to proceed.

SEE ALSO: Henry County teacher dies from COVID-19 months after getting vaccine

Depending on your district, you could see different rules across the state.

The guidance includes:

• All elementary school students, teachers and staff must wear a mask, regardless of their vaccination status, until children under 12 year old are able to get a vaccine.
• Middle and high schools should only require masks for those who are unvaccinated.
• Schools may want to consider universal masking for certain reasons outlined by the CDC.
• All schools should be prepared to adjust their rules depending on public health conditions.

“Virginia has followed the science throughout this pandemic, and that’s what we continue to do,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “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. Again, I strongly urge every eligible Virginian to get vaccinated. Getting your shot will protect you, your family, and your community—and it is the only way we can beat this pandemic once and for all.”

Dr. Laurie Forlano, Deputy Commissioner of Epidemiology with VDH, said the Commonwealth is seeing an uptick in Delta variant cases, but cases are not as high as they were during the winter.

SEE ALSO: Roanoke health leaders link COVID variant to rise in cases

"That's putting our flags up. I trust that everyone wants to keep kids and their teachers safe," said Dr. Forlano.

The CDC's federal order for wearing masks on public transportation will remain in effect, requiring all students to wear a mask while on a school bus.

The updated guidance also states that physical distancing of at least 3 feet should be maximized, but schools should not have to reduce in-person learning to keep a minimum distance requirement.

All schools in Virginia are required to have in-person learning available for all students for the 2021-2022 school year. This comes after Senate Bill 1303 passed during Virginia's 2021 legislative session.

To learn more about the 14-page interim guidance for schools on COVID-19 prevention measures, click here.

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