Masks Become Optional In Alexandria Government Facilities

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Masks have become optional in most Alexandria city government facilities, the city announced Tuesday.

Masks may continue to be required in certain locations such as health care facilities and congregate settings. Masks remain required on public transit, including Alexandria's DASH Bus and Metrobus.

Based on city guidance, Alexandria Library also announced masks were encouraged but no longer required in library locations.

"Effective immediately, visitors are encouraged to continue to wear a mask indoors based on their personal preference, as informed by their personal level of risk," the city stated in a news release.

The policy change came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed its metrics for COVID-19 community transmission. The new metrics are new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 people in the last week, the percent of staffed inpatient beds used by COVID-19 patients, and new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the last week. Under this new classification, Alexandria has low community transmission.

The city government indicated the policy is based on guidance from the CDC, Virginia Department of Health and Alexandria Health Department. In the future, the city said it may change the policy "as necessary to prevent serious illness from COVID-19."

Alexandria City Public Schools started optional masking Tuesday to comply with a new state law. SB 729 allows parents or guardians to choose if their student wears a mask in school. Masks are still required for staff, volunteers and visitors.

The city encourages residents to get vaccinated and boosted if eligible and get tested when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. For someone exposed to or infected with COVID-19, wearing a mask is recommended for 10 days, per isolation and quarantine guidance.