Masks mandated indoors in all Virginia schools: health officials

All students and staff members in Virginia schools will be required to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, health officials announced on Thursday.

READ MORE: CDC issues new mask-wearing guidance as Delta variant cases spike

The order goes into effect immediately for both public and private K through 12 schools.

The order has been issued amid soaring COVID-19 cases nationwide, accelerated by the arrival of the Delta variant.

School Mask Mandates: What you need to know in DC, Maryland and Virginia

A similar order was issued in the District in July.

The Centers for Disease Control adjusted its guidance for masks for vaccinated people in July as cases climbed.

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Multiple counties in the Commonwealth are currently rated as having "substantial" or "high" risk of transmission.