California Covid-19 Update: Governor Gavin Newsom announced a phased reopening plan for the state’s schools.
TK-6 students will be allowed to return to school only if the individual schools submit a safety plan to state and local governments. If not disapproved five days after submission, schools will be allowed to open, subject to monitoring by local health departments. In addition, those counties where schools open must achieve and maintain a level of Covid-19 infection below 28 people per 100,000. Distance learning will still be an option.
Newsom said he was, “Really looking at the spring” in terms of “safely bringing our kids back into the classroom.” He cited data indicating there is no significant impact of children returning to school if — ad he stressed this — students and staff follow detailed PPE and social distancing measures.
The governor wants to provide $2 billion to help California schools safely reopen. The money is intended to pay for COVID-19 testing, ventilation and personal protective equipment in schools. He said that breaks down to $450 per pupil.
“By focusing on a phased approach with virus mitigation and prevention at the center, we can begin to return our kids to school to support learning needs and restore the benefits of in-person instruction,” Newsom said in a statement. “It’s especially important for our youngest kids, those with disabilities, those with limited access to technology at home and those who have struggled more than most with distance learning.”
Newsom said a detailed version of the plan would be released next Friday, “with all the bells and whistles.”
