Following new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that shifts focus on positive test results and more on what’s happening at hospitals, D.C.-area schools are revising their mask policies in classrooms and buses.
Following new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that shifts focus on positive test results and more on what’s happening at hospitals, D.C.-area schools are revising their mask policies in classrooms and buses.
This list will be updated as more schools update their policies and as community transmission changes.
VIRGINIA
Culpeper County
Starting on Monday, Feb. 28, mask wearing will be optional on school buses and in CCPS vehicles.
Following Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s executive order, masks became optional for Culpeper County school and staff on Jan. 18.
Fauquier County
Mask wearing on buses will be optional for students and drivers on buses starting on Monday, Feb. 28.
On Jan. 24, masks became optional for students and staff in Fauquier County Public Schools after the school board voted to lift the mandate. Contact tracing also was discontinued at that time.
Students who test positive for COVID-19 in Fauquier County schools must remain home for a minimum of five days. If symptoms are improving and the student has been fever-free for 24-hours without medication, they can return on day six and will wear a mask in school on days six through 10, according to the updated policy.
Prince William County
Masks are now optional for employees and volunteers in Prince William County schools.
Effective immediately, masks are now optional for all PWCS employees and volunteers working in classrooms, a letter from Prince William County Public Schools said Friday, Feb. 25.
As the new CDC guidelines say that school systems may choose to require that people wear masks on buses or vans, Prince William County schools said that masks are also optional for students and staff in school buses.
The school system said it will adjust requirements should the community level change, and those who prefer to continue wearing masks may do so, per the CDC.
Masks continue to be required for adults and students in Head Start pre-K classrooms.
For more information and guidance, visit the Prince William County Public Schools website.
MARYLAND
Anne Arundel County
Masks will not be required for those transported by bus to Anne Arundel County public schools starting on Monday, Feb. 28, according to the school district.
In a letter to families and employees, the district said that this change will include school buses and transportation for school-related programs in the district.
Masks will continue to be required for all indoor settings, federal property (including Meade Heights Elementary School, and clinical health settings per CDC guidelines.
Howard County
Masks will be optional in Howard County Public Schools starting on March 1. The Howard County Board of Education voted to make face coverings optional at its Feb 24 meeting.
Any student, staff or visitor may choose to wear a mask, and should feel comfortable doing so, the school system said. Anyone on a school bus will still be required to wear a mask.
Frederick County
Effective Feb. 26, face covering will be encouraged but no longer required on school buses.
The school system started no longer requiring masks inside public school buildings on Friday, Feb. 25.
Looking for more information? D.C., Maryland and Virginia are each releasing more data every day. Visit their official sites here: Virginia | Maryland | D.C.
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