Return to School Safety

Return to School – Safety

Returning strong and staying strong all year

FCPS is Returning Strong for five days a week of in-person learning this fall! 

We all have a part to play in how we return strong and stay strong all year. The most essential thing we can do is keep our schools safe and healthy places to learn. This fall, we’re implementing layered prevention strategies to keep everyone healthy- especially those who are not yet able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Read more about how these strategies work together.

We all have a part to play in how we return strong and stay strong all year. The most essential thing we can do is keep our schools safe and healthy places to learn.
 Mask Up!

Masks are an essential tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting those unable to be vaccinated. To ensure a safe start to the school year, masks will be required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, inside FCPS school buildings. In addition, masks are strongly recommended, regardless of vaccination status, in all FCPS buildings.  

With respect to Fall 2021 Health and Safety practices, FCPS will continue to follow the guidance put forth by clinical researchers and medical providers from the CDC, VDH, and the FCHD to ensure the safest classrooms possible. This includes FCPS’ face covering (mask) requirements. The most recent recommendations include:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Virginia Department of Health

American Academy of Pediatrics

Fairfax County Health Department

The Fairfax County Health Department, in alignment with other regional health departments, recommends universal masking when there is no monitoring system in place for vaccine status and/or monitoring or enforcing mask policies that are not universal. 

Buses and Transportation

The CDC federal order requiring masks be worn on public transportation remains in effect and applies to buses operated by Virginia public schools.

Social Distancing in Schools

By now, we all know that social distancing is a key safety measure in preventing the spread of COVID-19. But, adequate social distancing may not always be possible in schools. Wearing a mask means we can safely be a little closer when necessary.

When Do You Wear Your Mask?

Wearing a Mask Correctly

Watch a video about student procedures for how to put on and take off a face covering. 

Additional Resources

The Student Health and Safety Document is continually updated and provides detailed information on school policies and protocols related to COVID-19 such as adherence to layered mitigation strategies. These guidance documents will continue to be updated to align with public health guidance.

Vax Up!

The most important thing we can all do to keep our schools safe and open all year is to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as we are eligible. Vaccines are safe, effective, available, and free. 

The CDC uses a benchmark of 70% as their target vaccination rate for community protection. Vaccination rates for students 12 and older have not reached that target yet, and those under 12 are not yet eligible for vaccination. Wearing masks provides a proven layer of protection when vaccination rates have not reached the 70% percent goal.

The Fairfax County Health Department updates vaccination rates daily on the COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard.

How Can You Get Vaccinated?

School-based clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will hold COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the following schools:

The school-based COVID-19 vaccine clinics are for adolescents 12 years of age and older. To make an appointment for your child, visit the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). Each school clinic site will also offer walk-in options from 2 to 7 pm.

Health care and community options

You can schedule an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination or find out about pop-up clinics near you through the Fairfax County Health Department’s website.

COVID-19 vaccines are also available at doctor’s offices, health departments, and retail pharmacies. Vaccines.gov is a helpful resource to find a location near you.

COVID-19 Exposure Protocols

If there is an exposure in schools, the school will notify affected families. The Fairfax County Health Department is responsible for contact tracing. 

Contact Tracing in the Event of a Positive Case

The CDC has issued a revised definition of close contact. In the K–12 indoor classroom setting, the “close contact” definition excludes students who were within 3 to 6 feet of an infected student (laboratory-confirmed or a clinically ,compatible illness) where:

  • both students were engaged in consistent and correct use of well-fitting masks; and
  • other K–12 school prevention strategies (such as universal and correct mask use, physical distancing, increased ventilation) were in place in the K–12 school setting.

Individuals who meet the K-12 definition of close contact will still need to quarantine.

This close contact exception mentioned above does not apply to teachers, staff or other adults in the indoor classroom setting.

Student and Staff COVID-19 Testing

As shared with our School Board on June 15, 2021, with increasing vaccination rates in our community and the continued use of all other recommended prevention strategies for students and staff in our schools, FCPS does not currently plan to implement COVID screening in our schools this fall. However, FCPS does plan to make diagnostic COVID testing available to symptomatic students through a third-party provider. Additional details will be shared with families as they become available.

This spring, FCPS implemented COVID diagnostic and/or screening testing in four schools (two elementary and two middle) between May 17 and June 11 through a COVID testing pilot program with the VDH. During the four-week pilot, almost 200 tests were administered, and all tests yielded a negative result, despite most students at the elementary level being ineligible for the COVID vaccine at this time. 

FCPS will continue to monitor our community transmission rates as well as rates of transmission and outbreaks in our schools. If conditions change, FCPS will reevaluate this plan accordingly.