Optional Masking At Alexandria Schools Begins March 1

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Masks will become optional for students at Alexandria City Public Schools as a new state law takes effect Tuesday.

The Alexandria School Board voted last Thursday to update its mask policy in line with SB 729, which allows parents or guardians to choose if their student wears a mask in school. ACPS continues to recommend masks in ACPS buildings and vehicles during periods of high or substantial transmission of COVID-19.

"We recognize the challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we continue to work together to help keep our schools safe," wrote Superintendent Gregory Hutchings Jr. in a message to families. "The safety and well-being of our students and staff is a priority for us."

Staff and approved volunteers and visitors continue to have a mask requirement in ACPS schools, facilities and facilities. Virginia Department of Labor and Industry standards call for unvaccinated employees to wear masks, as well as fully vaccinated employees during substantial or high community transmission.

At the time of the School Board decision, Alexandria was classified as having high community transmission of COVID-19, per the Alexandria Health Department dashboard. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised metrics, now basing transmission on hospital beds used, hospital admissions and new COVID-19 cases in an area. With the new metrics, Alexandria has low transmission.

SB 729 requires in-person instruction aside from 10 unscheduled virtual days and includes an amendment for a mask opt-out. The amendment proposed by Sen. Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax) made it through the House and Senate to the governor. The state law would have taken effect July 1, but an emergency clause to implement it on March 1 was sought by Youngkin and approved by a House and Senate majority.

While masks will be optional for students, ACPS will continue to make KN95 masks available upon request. There is also optional weekly screening testing at all schools as well as a test to stay pilot program at three schools. Other mitigation measures include ventilation measures, handwashing stations, temperature screenings and daily online symptom checklist, and guidelines for visitors and volunteers. All residents five and older are encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccines and boosters if eligible.