Wearing face masks now optional in Alexandria government buildings

Wearing face masks in government buildings is now optional in Alexandria, as nearly two years of the pandemic restriction winds to a close.

The decision, which was announced on March 1, comes after new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave Alexandria and its neighboring jurisdictions a “Low” community level of transmission.

“Effective immediately, wearing a mask is not required in most settings, but individuals may choose to do so at any time,” the city said in a release. “As a result of this new guidance from the CDC and Alexandria Health Department, use of masks by visitors to City of Alexandria government facilities is now optional. Effective immediately, visitors are encouraged to continue to wear a mask indoors based on their personal preference, as informed by their personal level of risk.”

Alexandria will still require masks in health care and congregate settings when the city has substantial or high community transmission.

There have been 29,734 reported Covid cases in the city, an increase of 153 cases since this time last week. The death toll remains at 183. The numbers have dropped in the last several weeks, going from a record-setting 12,822 positive cases in January to 1,227 cases in February.

Masks are also now optional within Alexandria City Public Schools, where there have been 593 cases reported since Dec. 1. The numbers don’t add up, though, since ACPS reports 509 total student cases and 102 total staff cases.

Vaccine stats

• There are 24,924 unvaccinated Alexandria residents
• About 76% of residents (116,308 people) are fully vaccinated
• 84% (128,956 people) of residents have gotten at least one dose
• 57,108 residents have gotten booster shots

Find vaccine providers in Alexandria here. If you feel sick, get tested.