YORK COUNTY — The York County School Division (YCSD) announced that it will continue to require all students, staff and visitors to wear masks inside school buildings and on school buses until further notice.
YCSD stated in a Friday, Jan. 21 announcement that the York County School Board and division staff have reviewed Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 2, which states that parents may elect for their child to not wear masks in schools.
The division said that it has consulted with the Deputy County Attorney and other legal resources in its decision, and is following the current mitigation strategies provided by the CDC, which currently recommends universal masking for students, staff, teachers, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.
“As we seek additional guidance regarding the conflicts between Executive Order 2 and SB1303, the York County School Division will continue to implement the layered mitigation strategies that have been in place in our schools throughout this school year – including requiring all students, staff and visitors to wear masks inside school buildings and on school buses – until further notice,” YCSD said.
YCSD stated that the division’s top priority is to provide a safe learning environment for all students.
“This measured approach can help reduce quarantine and isolation periods for students and minimize disruptions to in-person learning,” YCSD added.
The division also stated that it will continue to consult with local and state officials and legal counsel, and will make adjustments to the layered mitigation strategies as needed.
