Northam reveals guidelines for opening schools
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued guidelines June 9 for reopening preK-12 schools for the 2020-21 school year. Whether school buildings will open or not, all schools must offer new instruction.
Fairfax County school buildings have been closed since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in mid-March, and all instruction has been virtual since then.
State guidelines call for in-person instruction to follow a phased-in approach based on health metrics. Under Phase 1, schools will open for special education programs and childcare for working families. Phase 1 takes effect immediately, but should not disrupt existing programs.
In Phase 2, face-to-face instruction will be allowed for students in preschool through third grade, for English language learners, and for summer camps in school buildings. Physical distancing should be maintained in buildings and on school buses.
The Virginia Department of Health recommends that no youth recreational or school sports competitions take place in Phase 2, unless physical distancing can be maintained at all times.
The guidelines for Phase 3 say: “All students may receive in-person instruction as can be accommodated with strict social distancing measures in place. That might require alternative schedules that blend in-person and remote learning.”
Beyond Phase 3, school systems will resume “new-normal” operations under future guidance.
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Local school divisions will have discretion in how to operationalize within each phase and may choose to offer more limited in-person options than the phase permits if local public health conditions necessitate.
Beginning with Phase 2, school districts and private schools must submit plans to the Virginia Department of Education that include policies and procedures for implementing Virginia Department of Health and CDC mitigation strategies.
In every phase, preK-12 schools must follow CDC Guidance for Schools. This includes:
Social and physical distancing.
- Enhanced health and hygiene procedures and cleaning and disinfecting measures.
- Daily health screenings of students and staff.
- Remote learning exceptions and teleworking options for students and staff who are at a higher risk of severe illness.
- The use of cloth face coverings by staff when physical distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained.
- Encouraging the use of face coverings by students, as developmentally appropriate, in settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
