Masks still required for students, staff of Waynesboro Public Schools

WAYNESBORO — Waynesboro Public Schools will continue to require masks per a letter sent to families by Superintendent Jeffrey Cassell on Thursday.

That despite an executive order from Gov. Glenn Youngkin making the wearing of masks by students and staff optional.

"As our students and staff return to school following the recent weather closings, Waynesboro Public Schools will continue universal masking for all students and staff," Cassell wrote. "While the school division is aware of Governor Youngkin's Executive Order Number Two, universal masking is in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for schools."

It's also part of law in Virginia, Cassell said, citing SB1303 that requires each school board to provide the in-person instruction "in a manner in which it adheres, to the maximum extent practicable, to any currently applicable mitigation strategies for early childhood care and education programs and elementary and secondary schools to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 that have been provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."

As of its most recent update on Jan. 13, the CDC "recommends universal indoor masking by all students (ages 2 years and older), staff, teachers, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status."

Cassell said that the CDC also recommends multiple layers of prevention strategies to minimize disease transmission.

"These layers include vaccination, universal indoor masking, physical distancing, testing, ventilation, hand washing and respiratory etiquette, staying home when sick and getting tested, contact tracing in combination with quarantine and isolation, and cleaning and disinfection," Cassell wrote. "No one layer is 100% effective, therefore use of multiple strategies is important, especially during this period of high community transmission."

The City of Waynesboro reported 15 new COVID cases Thursday and a seven-day average of 36 cases per the Virginia Department of Health. Waynesboro Public Schools also posted its highest number of COVID positive cases for the school year last week, reporting 86 cases, including 60 students.

Waynesboro schools are closed for snow on Thursday, but are expected to return Friday.

Waynesboro joins Staunton in announcing that it will continue to require masks in schools. Augusta County has said it will require masks at least through Friday, Jan. 21, but plans to send an update on Friday. The Augusta County School Board has a retreat planned for Thursday where it is expected to discuss COVID mitigation issues.

"The school division will continue to monitor guidance from the CDC and the Central Shenandoah Health Department and consult with these medical professionals to make the most appropriate decisions for our schools," Cassell said.

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Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education and sports reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Masks required: Waynesboro announces masks still mandatory in schools