Mask Use on School Buses


Posted: March 1, 2022

On Friday, February 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its mask order for public transportation, making student mask use on school buses optional. Beginning Tuesday, March 1, 2022, the use of face masks on school buses will be optional for students.

Parents/guardians are asked to discuss mask preference with their children to make sure that they are aware of face mask expectations while on the school bus. Bus drivers will not be responsible for student mask use or nonuse. In addition, the school division will not be able to accommodate requests for bus seating changes due to mask preference.

Bus drivers will have disposable masks available for students or staff who need or request one.

On Monday afternoon, February 28, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry revised its FAQs regarding employee mask use. NNPS is currently reviewing this information and will provide updated guidance to employees in the coming days. In the meantime, all NNPS employees shall continue to wear face masks on school buses.

Newport News Public Schools still encourages mask use to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 while the region is in moderate COVID transmission. All students, visitors and staff are encouraged to conduct the daily health screening before boarding the school bus or entering the school building. Individuals experiencing any of the symptoms listed on the daily health screening should not report to school or work as advised.

NNPS will continue to ensure the health and wellbeing of all students, visitors and staff.