Governor Ralph Northam issued a public health order on Thursday requiring all students, teachers, and staff to wear masks at all indoor settings in Virginia’s K-12 schools. 

With the Delta variant of COVID-19, the virus has started to rise in the number of new cases once again. Teachers and parents across Virginia have recently expressed concerns about returning to school as the virus continues to spread.

As of July 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines include universal masking for all students, teachers, and staff. 

“We all share the same goal of keeping our schools open and keeping our students safe,” said Northam. “That’s why the General Assembly passed this law with overwhelming bipartisan support. This Public Health Order makes it very clear that masks are required in all indoor K-12 settings, and Virginia expects all schools to comply. I’m grateful to the work of the General Assembly and the Health Department, and I look forward to a safe start to the school year.”

According to a press release from the governor’s office, 73 percent of all adults in Virginia have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of August 10, 40.3 percent of 12-15 year-olds in Virginia and 51.7 percent of 16-17 year-olds in Virginia are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Children under 12 are not yet eligible to receive any available vaccination, which is one reason CDC updated its guidance to recommend universal masking in all K-12 schools.

“We know that masking is an effective tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19, particularly among children who are not yet eligible for vaccination,” said Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Norm Oliver. “As cases rise in our communities, universal masking and other mitigation measures will ensure our schools continue to be the safest place for Virginia’s children.”

Kentucky’s Board of Education made a similar decision on Thursday, unanimously voting in support of extending their state’s masking mandate in public schools.

“The vast majority of school districts have chosen to follow the CDC and keep their school communities safe,” said State Superintendent Dr. James Lane. “Universal masking has worked in school settings across Virginia for the past year and a half, and it remains a critical part of our safety protocols. I’m grateful to Governor Northam and Dr. Oliver for this order, which will ensure uniformity across all school districts and keep students safely in their classrooms—no matter where they live in Virginia.”

School systems across the Commonwealth are expected to begin in person instruction for the 2021-2022 school year within the coming weeks. Richmond Public Schools has already had more than 50 students placed in quarantine due to positive COVID-19 cases during in-person instruction for summer school.