Botetourt County Public Schools official masking policy

Botetourt County Schools Issues Statement Regarding Updated Masking Policy
FINCASTLE, Va. —
Botetourt County has experienced a high COVID-19 community transmission rate recently.
Unfortunately, this trend is the reality of many counties and states across the nation. The
pandemic has clearly taught us that we must remain flexible in an ever-changing situation.
On August 4th the CDC updated its guidelines for K-12 schools. They announced:
Due to the circulating and highly contagious Delta variant, CDC recommends universal
indoor masking by all students, staff, teachers, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of
vaccination status.

On August 5th Governor Ralph Northam issued a reminder that all public school divisions are
legally mandated to implement CDC guidelines, in accordance with Senate Bill 1303. This bill,
enacted in March of this year, reads,
“Each school board shall provide such in-person instruction in a manner in which it
adheres, to the maximum extent practicable, to any currently applicable mitigation
strategies for… elementary and secondary schools to reduce the transmission of
COVID-19 that have been provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.”

Botetourt County Public Schools will abide by the updated CDC guidelines. Effective
immediately, masks will be universally required by all students, staff, teachers, and visitors to
our schools, regardless of vaccination status. This requirement applies to all upcoming open
houses, orientations, and other gatherings prior to the start of the school year.

Contact:
Mike Moser, Communications Specialist
Botetourt County Public Schools
mmoser@bcps.k12.va.us
Resources:
8.5.21 Coronavirus Update by Gov. Northam
BCPS Superintendent Update/Video Message
CDC Guidance for K-12 Schools

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