Parents faced contradicting messages regarding mask requirements for area schools after Gov. Glen Youngkin’s executive order number two was designed to give parents the ability to decide whether their children should wear masks at school. Virginia law also requires masking into March. Guidance from the Center of Disease Control continues to recommend mask wearing and Fairfax County Public Schools have not changed their mask requirements.
Parents were certain that masking was still required and many felt it was the right decision.
Parent Dr. Erica Reynolds Clayton of Burke said, “Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brabrand has been excellent about communicating what is going on with the parents by way of thorough, regular emails. I support Dr. Brabrand’s decision [to mandate masks] and was grateful that he included pediatric medical experts during his Town Hall,” held the evening of Jan. 24.
Parent Patty Helms, of Burke, indicated, “Our family is fully vaccinated and we plan to have our kids continue wearing their masks at school. We always emphasize that wearing a mask protects them, and the people around them. My kids get it.”
Mother of two, Sara Helfer of Burke, said, “It was a no brainer to continue to wear masks at school. Even though we are all vaccinated we want to provide the fullest protection for ourselves and others, and we also want to help ensure COVID numbers stay low so schools can stay open.”