Fairfax County schools adopt universal mask mandate

Students will have to wear masks in the classroom. [FCPS]

Faced with a national increase in COVID variant cases, Fairfax County Public Schools is requiring all students and staff to wear face masks indoors and on school buses, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated, the school system announced July 28. 

Masks are not required outside during recess, PE, or other activities or when eating. 

The mask policy takes effect for summer school and for the 2021-22 school year, which starts Aug. 23.

The new policy is in line with the Centers for Disease Control’s updated recommendation calling for universal indoor masking for everyone regardless of vaccine status. 

“Masks are an essential tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting those unable to be vaccinated,” FCPS states. “The most important thing we can all do to keep our schools safe and open all year is to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as we are eligible. Vaccines are safe, effective, available, and free.” 

Vaccination rates for students age 12 and older have not reached the 70 percent target for community protection, and students under age 12 are not yet eligible for the vaccine, FCPS notes. “Wearing masks provides a proven layer of protection when vaccination rates have not reached the 70 percent goal.”

The Fairfax County Health Department is hosting a COVID vaccination clinic for youths age 12 and older at Justice High School, Aug. 5, 2-7 p.m. Make an appointment with the Vaccine Administration Management System. Walk-ins are accepted, too. 

FCPS does not plan to regularly test students or staff for COVID. Anyone who feels ill or experiences COVID symptoms should stay home.

Meanwhile, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering requiring employees to be vaccinated before returning to workplaces this fall.