Masks Still Required At Arlington Public Schools And On Buses Despite Youngkin's Order

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington Public Schools reaffirmed its mask mandate after Virginia's new governor issued an executive order calling for masks to be the choice of a student's parent.

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 The order is effective Monday, Jan. 24 unless rescinded or amended by another order.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.

APS and other Northern Virginia school districts announced the intent to continue requiring masks. All staff and student must wear a mask on school property and on buses, according to a notice posted Friday on the school system's website.

Related: Masks Mandated For Arlington Students Returning To School

Arlington schools will continue to prioritize the health, safety and wellbeing of its students and employees, according to the notice. School officials would continue to follow guidance from local and national health professionals.

Superintendent Dr.Francisco Durán notified APS families last July that everyone entering school buildings or riding county buses must wear a mask regardless of their vaccination status.

APS adopted a layered strategy in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including requiring everyone over the age of 2 to wear a mask on school grounds or buses. Read the school system's full COVID-19 guidance online.