One of Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin's first actions after taking the oath of office Saturday was to issue an executive order lifting the mask mandate in public schools.
Youngkin took the oath of office Saturday and was acting on a campaign promise. His order goes into effect Jan. 24.
At least for now, local school systems are continuing to enforce their own mask mandates in public school buildings.
Fairfax County Public Schools officials posted on their website Friday:
"FCPS is aware of Governor Youngkin’s order around masking. We are reviewing the operational implications for this order. The Governor’s order does not go into effect until Jan 24. The FCPS mask policy will continue to be in effect during the week of Jan 15 and parents will be informed of any possible changes prior to Jan 24."
FCPS officials also reference Virginia's SB1303, which is still in effect, and says that school divisions need to provide in-person instruction "in a manner in which it adheres, to the maximum extent practicable, to any currently applicable mitigation strategies for early childhood care and education programs and elementary and secondary schools to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 that have been provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
Alexandria City Public Schools officials sent an email to parents Sunday morning affirming that the system will continue to require masks. "Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) will continue to abide by the health and safety guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) and continue to require all individuals to wear masks that cover the nose and mouth in ACPS schools, facilities and buses."
In addition, ACPS officials have order KN95 masks for students and staff, which will arrive this week. The school system is looking into ordering more and is also considering working with a community partner to acquire more masks. Surgical masks are also available for students.
