Gov. Newsom Mandates Schools In Counties On California's Watch List To Start Year With Distance Learning
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — With the coronavirus showing no signs of slowing, Gov. Gavin Newsom is directing schools in California counties on the state's watch list to stay closed for in-person classes.
The governor announced the order on Friday after a week that saw state education leaders call for most schools to at least start the year continuing with distance learning.
Some districts - like in Sacramento County, one of the areas on the state's watch list - have already started directing schools to start the new academic year with distance learning.
#BREAKING @GavinNewsom announces California's Pandemic Plan for Schools. Schools can physically open when the county has been off the monitoring list for 14 consecutive days. Schools that don't meet that requirement must begin school year with distance learning. @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/7uN0fRIOhT
— Dina Kupfer (@DinaKupfer) July 17, 2020
The directives announced on Friday stipulate that schools in areas on the watch list will need to stay closed for in-person classes until the county has been off for 14-straight days.
If and when schools do reopen, Gov. Newsom's mandate also states that students starting in third grade and above will need to wear face coverings. All teachers will need to wear masks as well.
#BREAKING @GavinNewsom announces students in 3rd grade and above, and ALL school staff will be required to wear masks once in-person learning returns. Staff must maintain 6' between each other and with students. @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/W2DWzv6VQe
— Dina Kupfer (@DinaKupfer) July 17, 2020
Other requirements include staff maintaining physical distancing between themselves and students. School staff will also be tested regularly.
Some 80 percent of California's population is represented in the 32 counties on the state's watch list. Local counties on the list are: Colusa, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba.