WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) Public Schools announced over the weekend that it has made mask-wearing optional for students while on both buses and vans operated by the school division.
The new practice started on Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, and coincides with York County Schools’ decision to make masks optional on the buses and vans operated by its school division.
The updated local school policy follows after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision to ease its COVID-19 Prevention Protocols.
According to CDC’s mask travel guidance,
“Effective February 25, 2022, CDC is exercising its enforcement discretion to not require that people wear masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs. CDC is making this change to align with updated guidance that no longer recommends universal indoor mask wearing in K-12 and early education settings in areas with a low or medium COVID-19 Community Level.”
There was a message from WJCC schools that was sent out to staff and family over the weekend.
According to the WJCC message,
“WJCC Schools families and staff,
Late Friday afternoon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it will no longer require masks for individuals riding “buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs.”
Therefore, beginning tomorrow Monday, February 28, use of masks on division transportation will be optional for students.
All staff members are still required to wear masks in our buildings and while in our vehicles, per the current Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) order. The order, as it relates to the latest CDC announcement, is currently under review. If a change in the order goes into effect, we will communicate such a change with staff.
Thank you.”
While the new mask policy is encouraging, the CDC is still advising that school children wear masks where the risk of COVID-19 is high. The CDC has put together a map that shows whether a county is low-risk, medium-risk, or high-risk and it is found on CDC’s website.
Additional information on CDC’s updated COVID-19 Guidance can also be found online on the CDC’s official website.
