RNAG COVID-19 Update: New CDC Guidance, Local Developments

On Tuesday, July 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that vaccinated people should resume wearing a mask indoors under certain circumstances:

• If they are in an area with high or substantial COVID-19 transmission
• If they are a teacher, staff member, student or visitor to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status

The updated guidance was spurred by new data showing that, on rare occasions, some vaccinated people “may be contagious and spread the virus to others,” according CDC Director Rochelle Walensky.

On Wednesday evening, July 28, Alexandria City and Loudoun County were categorized as areas with substantial levels of community transmission according to the CDC. Arlington County, Fairfax County and Prince William County were categorized as areas experiencing a moderate level of community spread.

Since March 2020, all COVID-related policies and public health restrictions in place at NOVA have been authorized by Governor Northam and the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). The Governor and VCCS are reviewing the updated CDC guidance, and we do not know whether Governor Northam or other state authorities will seek to introduce corresponding masking mandates.

In the meantime, NOVA continues to strongly recommend face coverings for all non-vaccinated employees and students, and we fully support vaccinated individuals who may choose to wear one as well. Face coverings are available at each campus’ NOVA Parking & NOVACard Office for anyone who needs one.

We are once again facing a level of uncertainty as the Covid-19 Delta variant continues to spread, but we are also armed with the knowledge and experience we have gained over the last 18 months. The Return to NOVA Advisory Group (RNAG) and NOVA leadership are closely monitoring the situation and planning for a wide range of potential scenarios, from the return of mask mandates to potential capacity restrictions. In the event of any changes or developments, we will inform you all as quickly as possible and you can find the latest up-to-date information on NOVA’s Covid-19 Resources webpage.  

If you have any questions, please contact OEM@nvcc.edu.

Submitted by: Return to NOVA Advisory Group