Public schools in the District of Columbia will require masking for all students and staff this fall, according to officials. Lewis D. Ferebee, chancellor of D.C. Public Schools (DCPS), said in a July 22 update on the 2021–2022 school year that health and safety measures for the fall semester would include enhancements to ventilation systems and cleaning protocols, social distancing as much as possible, and required face masks for all students, staff, and visitors. Ferebee also encouraged students aged 12 and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine, which he said in the statement would be offered at select D.C. area schools and be available to students and their family members at no cost. The measures are part of what DCPS calls a “system of layered protections” as the district’s 50,000-student school system prepares to fully reopen for in-person learning on Aug. 30. Speaking at a public hearing that the D.C. Council …