Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - As part of Governor Ralph Northam's long-form interview with WRVA's Matt Demlein, Northam (D) maintained the school mask requirement outlives the end of his term on January 15th. The position is similar to one taken by Northam over the summer, ahead of the current school year.
Northam says the state law that mandates in-person schooling also requires following CDC guidelines, which support mask wearing. Despite that interpretation, Northam had Health Commissioner Norman Oliver issue an order making it mandatory in August. Several Republicans read the law differently.
Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin (R) opposed mask mandates during the campaign. His campaign has not responded to WRVA questions as to whether he has changed his mind because of the Omicron surge, nor has he responded to questions about how he would handle districts making their own masking decisions. Youngkin did recently inform Oliver he would not be retained in the new administration.
Says State Law Requires Them




