Masks Mandated For Arlington Students Returning To School

ARLINGTON, VA — Students returning for in-person learning at Arlington Public Schools on Aug. 30 will be required to wear masks in order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

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

"This is consistent with our current practices for in-person summer school," Durán said, in his email. "Masks will not be required when eating or during outside recess, PE, athletics, or other outdoor activities. Universal masks are part of a layered approach to help our schools stay open and safe, and to ensure all students can safely return to our buildings, especially when physical distancing is not possible at all times and not all our students are eligible yet for vaccinations."

APS will continue to monitor national, state, and local health and safety monitors in making decisions about its response to COVID-19, according to Durán.

The Virginia Department of Health reported 1,178 new cases of the coronavirus, the third day in a row that new cases have totaled more than 1,000. The last time the number of positive cases were above 1,000 was in late April.

On Thursday, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam recommended residents begin wearing a mask indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.

To reduce the number of students who may miss school due to COVID-19 exposures, APS will also follow the latest CDC recommendations regarding social distancing:

"A student who is within 3 to 6 feet of an infected student is not considered a close contact as long as both students are wearing masks and the school has other prevention strategies in place."

Durán encouraged anyone over the age of 12 to get vaccinated. Students who are eligible to be vaccinated may do so by visiting a vaccination clinic or scheduling an appointment.

APS will be hosting two virtual town halls in English and Spanish for families on Aug. 11. More information is available online.