Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe called on all Virginia school systems to require educators and school staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. His announcement says this requirement would protect students safe in the classroom, keep schools open, and Virginia’s economy on track. 

“A fully vaccinated school workforce is imperative to our next generation’s success. With in-person learning resuming in school districts across the Commonwealth, it is critical to the health, wellbeing and future of the more than one million Virginia K-12 school students that our educators and school staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” said McAuliffe. “We simply can not take any chances when it comes to keeping our children safe, our schools open, and our economy strong.”

McAuliffe’s announcement referenced other states that are not implementing mask or vaccine requirements. “For example, in states including TexasFloridaGeorgia, and Mississippi, where governors are prohibiting schools from following CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, dozens of schools have already been forced to close, and thousands of children are being quarantined following exposure,” his announcement reads.

McAuliffe is seeking a second term as governor after serving from 2014-2018. Virginia law does not allow governors to serve consecutive terms. McAuliffe is running against Republican Glenn Youngkin and Independent candidate Princess Blanding.


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