Youngkin’s Health Department fielded questions about science behind masks-optional policy

February 20, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. EST

People gather at the Loudoun County government center last month to show support for a continuation of the school district's mask mandate. Since then, the governor has signed a law that essentially makes masks optional at schools across Virginia. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has made parental choice in the classroom — when it comes to masks and also curriculum — the centerpiece policy of his campaign and government. He signed an executive order hours after inauguration essentially making masks optional, has fended off multiple lawsuits objecting to the policy and on Wednesday signed a bill that enshrines the policy into state law.