New COVID-19 Mask Guidance Issued For Arlington Public Schools

ARLINGTON, VA — Beginning Tuesday, everyone who visits an Arlington Public Schools building will have the option not to wear a mask. This includes students, teachers, staff members, and visitors. No opt-out form will be required.

APS made the decision on Monday afternoon, following the release of updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control issued on Friday, which included new metrics for measuring COVID-19 community levels.

COVID-19 community spread remains low in Arlington, according to the latest CDC data. APS will monitor the data and adjust the guidance if necessary.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their students about the expectation for mask-wearing. The decision to wear a mask is a personal choice and APS asks students to respect the choice their peers may make about whether to wear or mask or not.

"We encourage all families and staff to review the CDC’s guidance for individual or household prevention measures. At low community levels, the CDC advises individuals who are immunocompromised or at high risk of serious diseases to have a plan for rapid testing and to speak to your healthcare provider," Superintendent Dr. Francisco Durán said, in a release.

Families and staff members are also encouraged to take advantage of free, weekly in-school testing if needed.

This article originally appeared on the Arlington Patch