LCPS COVID Response Plan

The following is Lee County Public Schools’ Covid Response Plan effective Monday, January 24, 2022.

The following changes will be put into place regarding the Covid Response Protocols:

In accordance with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order Number Two (2022) and Order of Public Health Emergency One, the wearing of masks for students (based on parent discretion) will be optional on school grounds during the school day. Masks will still be required on school buses in accordance with Security Directive 1582/84-21-01B Department of Homeland Security.

All quarantine guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health will continue to be utilized for positive cases and exposure to positive cases. These guidelines may change and LCPS will change according to any new information received.

In an effort to answer some of your questions regarding our compliance with Executive Order Two, below please find an update on the latest information we have received, as well as our plans with moving forward.

1. Lee County Public Schools has been consistent in following the prevailing guidance regarding in-person instruction since the beginning of the pandemic and will continue to do so. Governor Youngkin’s Office and his new appointments will now be guiding decisions at the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Education, both of whom have a great degree of oversight in public schools.

2. A number of school divisions and parent groups throughout the state are challenging Governor Youngkin’s order. Lee County is not joining this opposition, but will monitor things closely and update any changes that may occur as a result of this opposition.

3. Current CDC data analysis indicates there may not be a significant difference in the number of positive cases within states that have mask mandates and states that do not. The omicron variant has proven to be more transmissible than previous variants, but also seems to come with less severe symptoms, especially for those who are vaccinated.

4. The Virginia Department of Health is in the process of reviewing many of their recommended Covid response, quarantine, and isolation procedures. This will be shared once it has been received.

5. LCPS is currently awaiting Covid test kits from the Virginia Department of Health. The shipment has been delayed, and we will update this information as we receive it. In addition, the federal government is also providing four (4) free rapid tests per household beginning next week. You can order yours at https://www.covidtests.gov

6. We do not expect our faculty and staff to be the “masking police” for parents. Parents will need to communicate masking expectations for their children and trust that their children will follow their guidance.

Thank you for continuing to work with us during these difficult times. Please know that we understand and share in the concerns regarding these fast-moving changes in guidance. On a positive note, it appears that we are taking significant steps toward normalcy. Also, please note that we are attempting to do what is allowable and practical to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Again, thank you for your continued support.