Back to Zoom
- fionacsweet
- Jul 17, 2020
- 2 min read
Governor Gavin Newsom issued an order today that basically ensures that the vast majority of school districts in California will not be allowed to start in-person schooling in the fall.
Here are the highlights from his press briefing today.
1) When schools do reopen, staff and children (in grades 3-12) will be required to wear masks (younger students will be encouraged to wear them as well). Older students that refuse to wear masks will be required to participate in distance learning.
2) Districts that reopen are required to test every staff member for coronavirus every other month. (this could prevent schools from reopening for months due to the amount of money it would take to test this many staff members)
3) Schools located in the counties that are on the state's coronavirus watchlist cannot reopen with in-class learning. Once the counties are off the list for 14 days, they are allowed to begin holding in-person classes. (although this decision to go back after 14 days will be left up to local public health officers)
4) Following a confirmed case of COVID-19 at school, those exposed should be quarantined for 14 days.
5) The school should revert to distance learning when multiple cohorts have cases or 5% of students and staff test positive in 14 days.
6) The district should revert to distance learning when 25%+ of its schools have been closed due to the virus within 14 days.
7) Adults must stay 6 feet away from each other and the children. Students should try to stay 6 feet away when possible. Anyone entering the school must do a health screen.
8) School districts must provide devices so each kid can participate in distance learning, daily live interaction, challenging and equivalent in-person instruction, and targeted supports for English learners and special education.
We all knew this was coming, but it hurts more now that it's real. I attended my last football game without knowing it! But I agree with Newsom that it would not be safe to open schools now. Our number one priority should be to stay safe. Have a good weekend!
Gavin Newsom's Twitter
Comments