The Shadow
Alleghany County Public Schools are switching to a mask-optional policy for students and staff while inside of school buildings, as well as on school buses, effective Monday, March 7, 2022.
The change comes after school officials carefully reviewed the latest guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.
On Friday, February 25, 2022, the CDC announced significant changes to its COVID-19 orders and mitigation strategies affecting K-12 schools. The changes include revised metrics and strategies that communities and schools should consider when making decisions about health and safety regarding COVID-19.
“We appreciate the patience of our community as we reviewed these changes. We also appreciate their spirit as we reviewed agency updates from the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and other authorities related to the CDC updates,” said School Superintendent Kim Halterman.
Masking for students inside of school buildings has been optional since February 14, 2022. However, masking for students on buses has been required under a federal mandate. In accordance with Virginia Department of Labor and Industry standards, teachers and staff have also been required to mask indoors.
The new masking guidelines for Alleghany County school buses align with the CDC’s revisions. The CDC has relaxed its guidance on mask-wearing for most Americans due to the falling number of reported COVID-19 cases nationwide.
According to the Virginia Department of Health, COVID cases are on a steady decline in its Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts. As of Tuesday, March 1, weekly case counts in the districts had reached their lowest level since August 2021. Hospitalization numbers are at their lowest level since November 2021. However, the CDC still classifies Alleghany County as a high transmission area for COVID. It is particularly important to recommend masking in periods of high transmission.
The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed that it is in the process of aligning its COVID guidelines with the new CDC recommendations. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry has also updated its wording regarding the wearing of masks by school employees inside buildings. The new wording follows the CDC guidelines and encourages masking although it is optional.
The school division is still encouraging students and staff to wear masks as part of a COVID-19 mitigation strategy. Masking has been part of a multifaceted COVID mitigation strategy that have helped keep schools open for in-person instruction throughout the current academic year.
Alleghany County Public Schools will continue to permit persons self-identified as a close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual to quarantine for five days. The guidelines follow recommendations from the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health.
Individuals will be allowed to return to school on day six if they remain symptom-free during days 1-5 of their quarantine period. This will be contingent upon the individual consistently and correctly wearing a mask through day 10 when they return to school. Those who cannot consistently or correctly wear a mask for any reason will be required to stay at home for the full 10 days following exposure.
“We are also thankful that COVID is on the decline at this time. We know this could change, but we are so grateful to have some positive health news. We thank our community, including our staff, for all of their flexibility and patience on our shared journey during the pandemic,” Ms. Halterman said.
Alleghany County Public Schools will continue to monitor any additional changes in guidance from CDC and Virginia Department of Health and adjust accordingly. Student learning and wellbeing is at the forefront of all decisions regarding COVID mitigation.
