Fairfax County makes masks optional
Face masks are now optional for employees and visitors at most Fairfax County government locations.
The new policy is based on guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Feb. 25.
According to the new metrics underlying the CDC’s updated guidance, the Covid-19 transmission rate in Fairfax County is “low,” meaning most people no longer need to wear masks indoors. Those metrics are hospital bed use, hospital admissions, and the total number of new Covid cases in an area.
Fairfax County Public Schools also revised its mask rules in light of the new CDC guidance. FCPS made masks optional for students as of March 1 and announced Feb. 27 that masks are also optional for staff, parents, and visitors.
Fairfax County government is still requiring masks in these settings:
• Public transit, including the Fairfax Connector and Fastran, as well as commercial aircraft.
• Health care facilities, including clinic settings operated by the Fairfax County Health Department and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.
• Congregate settings, including jails, group homes, and shelters.
• Fairfax County courtrooms at the discretion of the presiding judge.
• Places where private entities have mask requirements.
Regardless of the Covid community level, masking and social distancing may still be used for personal risk mitigation, especially for those at high risk of complications from Covid, the CDC advises.
Related story: Masks in schools optional as of March 1
Upcoming testing sites in Mason District include the following:
- March 8 and March 15 – New Grand Mart, 6255 Little River Turnpike, Lincolnia, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- March 9 and March 16 – Bailey’s Community Center, 5920 Summers Lane, Bailey’s Crossroads, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Both of those locations provide walk-in testing at the mobile clinic operated by the Health Department for people experiencing symptoms or who might have been exposed to someone with Covid. You don’t need an appointment.
Access vaccination sites here.
