The original item was published from February 26, 2022 11:47 AM to February 26, 2022 11:55 AM
Effective immediately, Loudoun County no longer requires members of the public to wear a face mask while inside Loudoun County-owned and -operated facilities. Additionally, the social distancing requirement inside county facilities is also ended.
Loudoun County’s lifting of the COVID-19 mitigation measures is based on new guidance issued February 25, 2022, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that updates the metrics used to determine the impact of the virus that causes COVID-19 on a community. The CDC’s updated list of U.S. counties showing community impact indicates Loudoun County is now experiencing a “low” level of impact. In accordance with the Board of Supervisors’ February 1 vote to follow CDC guidance regarding the use of masks inside county’s facilities, the requirement is ended.
The CDC’s updated guidance considers the number of new COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity and new COVID-19 cases to help determine the COVID-19 community level metrics. The CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels tool is intended to help communities and individuals make decisions based on their local context and unique needs.
The CDC recommends that individuals who are at high risk for severe disease due to pre-existing, chronic medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and chronic liver, heart or kidney disease, seek additional guidance from their health care providers.
The end of the mask requirement inside county facilities generally does not impact county employees who are not fully vaccinated or who work in health care settings. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry currently requires non-fully vaccinated employees to wear face coverings or surgical masks while indoors, unless their work task requires a respirator or other PPE.
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