FCPS students participating in winter and spring sports must be vaccinated against COVID-19, Superintendent Scott Brabrand said in a community newsletter Monday.
The mandate, which comes after the Virginia Department of Education classified athletics as a “high-risk activity,” will come into effect on Nov. 8
Brabrand said exposure to COVID-19 in athletics is impacting in-person instruction.
“While we know this is a difficult decision for some families, it is an essential step that we must take to limit the duration of a pause, getting students back to the classroom and their activities sooner, but still safely,” Brabrand said.
75.4% of Fairfax County teens aged 16-18 are fully vaccinated, and 85.7% have received one dose, according to the announcement. The county will share more information in the coming weeks on proof of vaccinations.