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Some California Schools Can Apply to Reopen On-Campus Classes, but Rules are Strict

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This post has been updated.

Elementary schools on the state’s coronavirus watchlist can apply to reopen in-person classes.

The new guidelines — released by California's Department of Public Health on Monday — allow public, charter and private schools to petition their local public health departments for permission to reopen, but only for transitional kindergarten through sixth grade.

However, if the rate of COVID-19 cases in the county is more than two-times the threshold to be on the county monitoring list — 200 cases per 100,000 residents over a period of two weeks — the state recommends that schools do not apply for the waiver, as they will likely not qualify.

Schools must also show they have consulted with parents, community and labor organizations.

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But some are concerned that reopening school campuses this way raises equity issues.

"A school in Moraga, just because there are fewer essential workers, therefore fewer cases, shouldn't be able to open if we haven't got it under control in Richmond," said Marissa Glidden, who's part of a teachers union collective calling for no waivers at all because of these concerns.

Glidden said 29 teachers unions in Alameda and West Contra Costa counties have signed a letter to public health officials calling for ZIP code data to be used, rather than county averages.

Schools that do apply must show plans for cleaning, face coverings and health screenings, among other safety measures.

The state said more rules for how smaller sets of students with special learning needs might be allowed to return safely to campus will be forthcoming.

— Julia McEvoy (@juliamcevoy1)

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