Gov’s guidelines to reopen schools- that most of state cannot meet

Newsom Reveals CA School Reopening Plan

Governor Newsom announced guidelines to reopen schools- and lo and behold, 80% of the state doesn’t qualify to reopen in person. See the counties that are on the ‘monitor list’ in the graphic below.

(Sacramento, CA) — California Governor Gavin Newsom is outlining strict guidelines for the reopening of schools this fall amid coronavirus concerns. Most counties are currently on the list as cases have surged in recent weeks. Schools in regions that do not meet the requirement must begin the year with distance learning. In addition, Newsom said masks will be mandated for all staff and students 3rd grade and above. Younger grades are encouraged to wear face coverings. Regular testing, contact tracing and social distancing will also be enforced.

In answering a question in the proess conference, Newsom said that this is a mandate, not a suggestion and applies to public and private schools.

From the Governor’s Twitter Feed:

In CA, science will determine when a school can be physically open–and when it must close. But learning must be non-negotiable. Schools must provide meaningful learning during #COVID19. And we must do everything we can to keep our teachers, staff & students safe. That means:

1) Safe in-person school based on local health data. Schools located in counties that are on CA’s Monitoring List must NOT physically open for in-person instruction until their county has come off the Monitoring List for 14 consecutive days.

When does a physically open school need to close? Following a confirmed case of #COVID19 at school, those exposed should be quarantined for 14 days. The school should revert to distance learning when multiple cohorts have cases or 5% of students & staff test positive in 14-days.

The district should revert to distance learning when 25%+ of its schools have been closed due to #COVID19 within 14 days. Closure decisions should be made with local health officers. After 14 days districts may return to in-person with approval of local public health officer.

2) Strong mask requirements for anyone in the school: All staff and students 3rd grade and above must wear masks on campus.

3) Physical distancing requirements & adaptations: Adults must stay 6 feet from one another & 6 feet from children. Students should maintain 6 feet of distance when possible. Anyone entering the school must do a health screen. If a member of your household is sick–stay home.

4) Regular testing and dedicated contact tracing for outbreaks at schools: Staff in every California school be tested for COVID-19 periodically. CA will provide resources and technical assistance for COVID-19 investigations in school settings.

5) Rigorous distance learning. School districts must provide: -Devices so that every child can participate in distance learning. -Daily live interaction. -Challenging and equivalent to in-person instruction. -Targeted supports for English learners and special education.

Gov’s guidelines to reopen schools- that most of state cannot meet

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