Two years into this pandemic, we are starting to see change. School and public mask mandates are dropping, yet there are relics of old times. VA DOLI’s Emergency Standard requiring vaccinated employees to wear masks in areas of high transmission, while school students are no longer required to, is absolutely arbitrary. Teachers have been shouldering incredible stress and weight in this pandemic, and it is time to give them their breathe and their smile back. I urge you to take into account the outpouring of support for Virginia’s workers and teachers, and to end this outdated standard in fairness and freedom to all Virginians. I urge you to promptly repeal this order after the 30 day comment period. Thank you. ~a Virginia teacher