Today I want to clarify two topics that made headlines in recent days. Or, more accurately, I can clarify the one about local schools. Testing, as you will see below, is more complicated.
Yesterday county officials discussed school openings at their regular COVID-19 news briefing. Given that the county’s case rate for COVID-19 has been and appears likely to remain below 100 cases per every 100,000 residents, all schools in the region, kindergarten through 12th grade, could reopen for in-person instruction beginning Sept. 1.
They key word there is “could.” It’s up to each district, and in some cases each school, to determine when to reopen, once it’s allowed. Schools that choose to reopen must follow the guidance for schools and school-based programs. The guidance applies to in-person learning and distance learning.
Cities, as you probably know, are totally separate government entities than schools, at least in California. However, we are in regular contact with school districts and work closely with them on a variety of issues. Here is a recent status report gathered by staff in our Emergency Operations Center:
