Accomack County Schools lifts in school mask mandate; masks still required on busses

Accomack County Schools has relented and lifted the mask mandate for students effective Tuesday, February 22.   

School will be closed on Monday February 21.

Superintendent Chris Holland sent out the following on Friday.

“On Wednesday, February 16, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed Senate Bill 739 into law.  It removes all mask requirements in Virginia effective March 1, 2022. As a result, Accomack County Public Schools will transition to a mask-optional learning environment for all students in our buildings on February 22, 2022.  However we strongly encourage mask wearing as a key mitigation strategy in our efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and community.  We will continue to follow the CDC quarantine guidelines which state that anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will quarantine for five days and will be required to wear a mask at school on days 6-10. The same rules apply to unvaccinated close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases.  In making this transition, we will focus on maintaining a positive and welcoming learning environment.

“It is important to note that Senate bill 739 does not apply to students on school buses. Federal regulations still require students to continue wearing masks while riding the bus. At this time, all staff will be required to wear masks in our buildings per Virginia Department of Labor and industry guidelines.  This applies to all visitors as well.

“As a school division, we will continue to review and update  our mitigation strategies to keep our staff and students safe and our schools open.  As always, thank you for your flexibility, support and understanding as we navigate the many challenges or the COVID 19 pandemic.”

Accomack  COVID numbers have decreased from an average of 40  per day in mid January to 2 per day for the past week.