Looking for more information? COVID-19 call center hours are MondayFriday, 9am5pm. The updated guidance places less emphasize on positive cases and more focus on hospital strain. The following public health prevention measurescan helplimit the spread of the virus in our community. FCPS does not plan to regularly test students or staff for COVID-19 so officials are asking anyone who enters our schools is asked to self-assess and stay home if they are feeling ill or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Now is the time to stay the course, Fairfax County schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand said. Fairfax County Public Schools announced plans to scale back its COVID-19 prevention measures as cases decline. Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. In the event of a regional surge, FCPS says it may need to adjust its layered prevention strategies to safely provide in-person instruction. Learn more about the process for obtaining information under the VFOIA. The county has a seven-day average positivity rate of 9.82%, according to CDC data collected through Sunday. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands. Chevy Chase, MD 20815. The superintendent of Virginias largest school system said in a message to families Friday that parents and guardians can choose for their children to go maskless in schools and on buses beginning March 1. Several school systems are lifting their mask mandates early. Web4850 Slatestone Court, Fairfax, VA 22030 is a property listed available for rent at $4,300. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. Fairfax County Public Schools will require masks to be worn at all times by students and staff indoors and on school buses to begin the 2021-22 school year, the school district announced Wednesday. The comments were made Thursday by Fairfax County board member Abrar Omeish, 28, in reference to the Day of Remembrance for the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. "The more protections or layers of protection we can do is important to me," Perez said. It is open Monday Friday,9 a.m. 5p.m. You can also find additional helpful information in the following resources: 12000 Government Center Pkwy WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM, plans to comply with a recently passed state law enabling parents to decide if their kids wear masks, previously announced plans to make masks optional once, county was listed as experiencing substantial community transmission, seven Virginia school systems that sued Gov. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand. FCPS maintains security standards and procedures in accordance with federal and state regulations and in reference to industrial best practices. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. In a statement, Kimberly Adams, president of the Fairfax Education Association that represents over 4,000 school employees, said: There are many people who will not be protected by removing a mask requirement. If the student still refuses, school official said The Fairfax County Health Department is responsible for contact tracing. "We are also sharing with our students and school leadership that we're asking students that when they're not eating even during lunch time to put their mask on when they're in very close quarters.". Fairfax County was also one of seven Virginia school systems that sued Gov. Students who are not compliant with the foregoing may be subject to counseling, loss of privileges, removal from class or activities, or disciplinary action, the dress code policy reads. The Virginia Senate passed a bill on Wednesday allowing parents to ignore local school boards mandates on children wearing masks in school. Though Petersen said his proposal arose on its own, it closely mirrors Gov. Copyright 2022 by WTOP. The superintendent of the Fairfax County, Virginia, public schools said the school mask mandate will be lifted March 1 in accordance with a new law, but remains , according to CDC data collected through Sunday. View important information about our policy and find out who to contact if you have questions or concerns. School Library Collections Starting March 14, a test-to-stay program will also be available at every county school in the case of an outbreak. Once local transmission rates drop to the moderate range, masking will be optional, according to FCPS. All rights reserved. Fairfax County is in low community spread category. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, after his January executive order made masks in school optional. The Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) system hasnt gotten the memo. Everyone 6 months and olderare eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. WebFairfax County Public Schools unveiled plans to scale back mask rules and other COVID-19 restrictions. Fairfax County Public Schools has signed on to a lawsuit filed on Jan. 24 challenging Youngkins executive order. Other school districts in D.C., Maryland and Virginia have followed suit when it comes to universal masking in school. Superintendent Scott Brabrand briefed school district principals Friday on the updated mask policy, which says, Any student who refuses to wear a face covering while indoors on school property or during FCPS-provided transportation, and who is not otherwise exempt will be precluded access to face-to-face instructional programming until Virginia, at the state level: State officials strongly recommend that many students and staff members wear masks inside schools this fall, but they opted to give individual districts flexibility to set rules that take local coronavirus data into account. But until then, or until March 1, Brabrand said, Please be aware that we are currently still in high transmission as defined by the CDC, and all of our layered prevention strategies, including universal masking, remain in place., In a statement, Kimberly Adams, president of the Fairfax Education Association that represents over 4,000 school employees, said: We still remain concerned but are hopeful that by March 1 our COVID positivity rates and case counts continue to drop. Your news.Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021. WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM, In a message to the school community last Friday, Sign up for WTOPs coronavirus email newsletter, Latest coronavirus test results in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Latest COVID-19 vaccination numbers in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Mother of unarmed man shot, killed by police near Tysons mall demands video, records, 1 killed in Fairfax Co. crash, police say. If there is an exposure in schools, the school will notify affected families, per FCPS. The school system said community transmission levels dropped into the substantial category and they hope it could reach moderate community transmission as early as next week. But this isnt a steadfast rule based around transmission rates. "I feel like it's totally fine and I'm happy to send them back to school with masks," parent Megan Jaster said. State health and education officials recommended masks in elementary schools regardless of vaccination status, and in middle and high schools among students and staff who are not fully vaccinated, at a minimum. Charles County: Masks will be mandatory on school buses but optional in school buildings. Through the years, Neal has covered many of the crimes and trials that have gripped the region. Visit their official sites here: Virginia | Maryland | D.C. Rick Massimo came to WTOP, and to Washington, in 2013 after having lived in Providence, R.I., since he was a child. Masks will be worn at all times by both staff and students indoors and on school buses, but are not required when eating or when outside during recess, PE, or other activities, FCPS said to families. RELATED: VERIFY: Here's why the CDC recommends masks for vaccinated people, RELATED: CDC reverses course on indoor masks in parts of US where COVID is surging. Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. Fairfax, VA 22035. If you are a parent of a student/child at a private school, childcare setting, or camp, reach out to your school nurse oradministrator with questions aboutrequirements for isolation and quarantine. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Disclaimer. The Fauquier County School Board voted Thursday night to comply with Youngkins order, joining Spotsylvania and Culpeper counties in removing the mask Charles County: Masks will be mandatory on school buses but optional in school buildings. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand wrote that there wouldnt be a formal opt-out process for students who choose not to wear masks. Health department authority may be applied in significant outbreak situations. WUSA9 is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. View details, map and photos of this single family property with 5 bedrooms and 4 total baths. Masks arent the only policy change FCPS announced will change as transmission rates dip. Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips. If that effort fails to persuade the student to mask up, parents will be contacted to direct the student to comply. "If there is a need to quarantine a particular student we would be reaching out to them," he added. Brabrand also reminded the community that Fairfax County is among the school districts that filed a lawsuit Monday challenging Youngkins executive order. Fairfax County Superintendent Scott Brabrand has called for universal masking to remain in place on campuses as COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly. Fairfax County Public School students will return to class Tuesday after a long weekend, and masks will still be required despite an order from the Virginia FAIRFAX, Va. Fairfax County Public Schools will make mask-wearing optional on school property starting Tuesday. MPD: 26-year-old man arrested for engaging in unwanted sexual contact with a woman in NW DC, Man under arrest for engaging in unwanted sexual contact with a woman in Northwest DC, police say, 7 injured on flight to Germany that had emergency landing at Dulles, Snowy and cold or dry and warm? Fairfax County Public Schools will require masks for everyone inside schools whenever students are present, regardless of vaccination status, information No decisions have been announced yet in Alexandria, or Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun or Prince William counties. This announcement comes after Virginia Gov. All Rights Reserved. 2 and SB 739, the masking and in-person learning legislation. Glenn Youngkin, places less emphasize on positive cases and more focus on hospital strain, test-to-stay program will also be available at every county school, Mother of unarmed man shot, killed by police near Tysons mall demands video, records, 1 killed in Fairfax Co. crash, police say. Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines. This is a 5-bed, 3.5-bath, 3,064 sqft property. The superintendent of the Fairfax County, Virginia, public schools said the school mask mandate will be lifted March 1 in accordance with a new law, but remains in place for now. Glenn Youngkin to stop his executive order making masks in schools optional, questioning the orders constitutionality. There are staff who also want to have added protections in place such as better air purification and higher quality masks.. Instead, the Virginia school system is defying the states governor and enforcing a pointless universal-masking regime. Prince Georges County: Masks will be required for students, teachers and staff inside Prince Georges County Public Schools this fall, officials said Monday. Schools CEO Monica Goldson said the vaccination rate among eligible students is still too low, at 50%. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. Fairfax County Public Schools has created a plan that details how they will implement their roll-back strategy on masks and other Many of the conspiracy theories contradict each other and the findings in the Energy Department report. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. DC: D.C. Public Schools will require masks, officials said Friday. People who are fully vaccinated can choose to go maskless indoors when no students are present, or when they are in FCPS offices that are not inside schools. Your news.Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021. Masks will also be enforced on school buses in accordance with the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public transportation federal COVID-19 guidance. Parents with questions about school procedures should contact their school. D.C., Maryland and Virginia are each releasing more data every day. Students Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on Twitter and Instagram to engage in conversation about this article and others. Fairfax County Public Schools is returning to in-person learning five days a week this fall. Fairfax County Superintendent Scott Brabrand says this year, they'll likely only require the people who test positive to quarantine. See this Health Department guidance on isolation and how to identify and inform your close contacts. In a letter, the group encouraged people to send letters to principals stating, forced masking is wrong. They asked people to be courteous and respectful to school staff. In a letter to parents, Fairfax County Public Schools said they will start the school year with universal masking. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. The amendment was proposed by Sen. Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax, who recently described school mask mandates as an unscientific and inhumane in a letter urging Fairfax County Public Schools to end the policy soon as possible. 2023 WTOP. However, a ruling by Circuit Court Judge James Fisher immediately barred the countys public school system from enforcing its mask mandate. According to the school system, FCPS will implement our roll back strategy when the Fairfax Community reaches moderate transmission and remains there for seven consecutive days,. While the county says its rollback plan will be triggered by a drop in cases, the plan may become moot if lawmakers in Richmond continue to advance mask-optional legislation that would prohibit local school boards from imposing mask mandates. If you test positive for COVID-19, isolate and inform your contacts to stop the spread. News4s Justin Finch reports. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Masks will not be required outdoors. MLS# VAFX2114624. Whether anchoring the news inside the Glass-Enclosed Nerve Center or reporting from the scene in Maryland, Virginia or the District, Dick Uliano is always looking for the stories that really impact people's lives. Many Fairfax County parents including Marian Perez are pleased with the decision to require masks. January 26, 2022. Maintaining the layered prevention strategies is our only way out of this pandemic that has now taken more than 1,400 lives just in Fairfax County.. The school system said contact tracing, isolation and quarantine policies will continue for the time being. D.C., Maryland and Virginia are each releasing more data every day. Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips. 703-267-3511 TTY 711 health@fairfaxcounty.gov 10777 Main Street Fairfax, VA 22030 On Thursday, the 12-member school board voted to authorize the countys legal counsel to file an amicus brief in the pending federal case challenging Executive Order No. These changes are evidence that we are entering a new phase of the pandemic, Brabrand wrote. MPD: 26-year-old man arrested for engaging in unwanted sexual contact with a woman in NW DC, Man under arrest for engaging in unwanted sexual contact with a woman in Northwest DC, police say, 7 injured on flight to Germany that had emergency landing at Dulles, Snowy and cold or dry and warm? This morning 30 Woodgrove students (out of a student body of 1,585) refused to wear a mask. 1 dead, 1 injured after shooting in Northwest D.C. 7 passengers taken to hospitals after turbulence diverts flight to Dulles. The school system, Brabrand said, will orchestrate contact tracing in limited circumstances when identified by local health officials and wont tell students to quarantine unless theyre identified as a close contact during a school-based outbreak. If we want to ensure in-person education continues uninterrupted and that we keep everyone safe, current mitigation strategies are the best hope of maintaining these goals.. D.C., Maryland and Virginia are each releasing more data every day. Citing new information about the variant's ability to spread among vaccinated people, the CDC also recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors at schools nationwide, regardless of vaccination status. In a Monday evening Zoom session for the community, officials said that any student without a religious or medical exemption not wearing a mask in school will first be reminded of the requirement. Scott Brabrand said in a letter to families and staff that We recognize our legal obligations under SB739, the ban on school mask mandates passed by the General Assembly this month and signed into law by Gov. Fairfax County Public Schools issued a reminder that its policy on wearing masks has not changed. Visit their official sites here: Virginia | Maryland | D.C. Please wear a mask. Parents taking part in the Zoom staked out both sides of the dispute. Driver killed after crashing stolen Maserati on Beltway in Fairfax Co. Grand jury indicts DC employee charged with killing 13-year-old boy. Fairfax County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks after notching a victory in its lawsuit against Gov. Masks are still required for adults on school property, including staff and teachers, Brabrand said. Copyright 2022 by WTOP. State health and education officials recommended masks in elementary schools regardless of vaccination status, and in middle and high schools among students and staff who are not fully vaccinated, at a minimum.. The news comes as the CDC reversed course on mask wearing, now recommending that people in certain areas should wear masks indoors even if they have been vaccinated against the virus. "Universal masking is a critical factor in ensuring all students can return to our buildings, especially when social distancing is not possible and not all our students are eligible yet for vaccinations.". The school pointed to its dress code policy as a reference for how it will handle any situation where a student won't wear a mask. This is going farther than what it needs to be, as far this mandate for masks. Getting children and teens vaccinated against COVID-19 can help keep them from getting really sick if they do get COVID-19, and keeps them in school and activities. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The school district said based on new CDC guidance showing low transmission in Fairfax County, masks will also be optional for staff starting March 1. Digital Citizenship: Shared Responsibility, Google Workspace for Education in the Classroom, Google Workspace Information for Students and Parents, Differences Between Parent and Student Accounts: Schoology, Parent and Guardian Communication Tools: Schoology, Welcome FCPS Parents and Guardians to Schoology, Student Information System (SIS) for FCPS, SIS Parent Account - Weekly Progress Report Emails, Student Information System (SIS) - ParentVUE Mobile App, Student Information System (SIS) - StudentVUE Mobile App, Student Information System (SIS) StudentVUE, Student Information System - SIS Parent Account Overview, Annual Audit Plan, Audit Reports, and External Reviews, External Reviews - Audits From Outside FCPS. 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