RICHMOND — As public schools in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County prepare to bring back students in just over three weeks, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has released updated pandemic guidance for schools.
In a release, Youngkin announced that quarantine is no longer recommended after exposure to COVID in school, child care and camp settings. This applies to asymptomatic individuals and is regardless of vaccination status.
That differs from the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which still recommends anyone who comes into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should quarantine for at least five days if they are not up to date on their COVID vaccines.
The release from Youngkin’s office also states that, “in general masks are not routinely recommended” in schools, child care facilities and camp settings, indoors or outdoors.
Meanwhile, the CDC still recommends universal indoor masking for schools as well as the community at-large when COVID-19 community levels are high. Per the CDC, community levels are high in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County.
“From the first days of my administration, I have supported parents in making informed decisions for their own families, whom they love and know best,” Youngkin said in the release. “As Virginians continue to return to the office and social settings, the pandemic is disrupting workplaces and family life when entire child care facilities, camps and classrooms shutter in response to as few as two cases. Today marks a shift in my administration’s recommendations to optional quarantine for exposure to COVID-19 in child care and school settings as the severity of the disease decreases.”
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Youngkin ended mask mandates in schools in February shortly after taking office.
The release supported the decision by saying that vaccines, tests and treatments continue to be readily available. The release also said that hospitalization rates are low and the number of Virginians with natural immunity has increased.
“As such, it is again timely for individuals, families and employers to re-evaluate which precautions are appropriate to them,” the release said.
The release said the administration will continue to be vigilant about surges or new variants and any impact to our healthcare system.
“While maintaining that prudence,” per the release, “Virginia’s communities can, and should, continue on a path to normalcy.”
COVID guidanceUPDATED COVID-19 QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION GUIDANCE
Patrick Hite is The News Leader’s education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com
