DANVILLE, Va. – Danville City Schools have revised their masking policy and parents may now decide whether their children will mask up in the classroom. The new policy takes effect immediately, but requires that parents complete an opt-out form.

The revised policy puts the local school system in compliance with new state legislation. Virginia updated its mask plan effective March 1 but schools in Pittsylvania County and other localities have already eliminated mask requirements.

California, Oregon and Washington are also lifting their mask mandates, effective March 1st. The Democratic governors in those state announced the change in policy in a joint statement, citing declining case rates and hospitalizations across the West. The change will make masks a recommendation rather than a requirement, effective immediately.