“NYC should procure rapid tests to have enough on hand to test everyone who doesn’t bring a recent negative result at school that morning. We have the capacity, if we plan ahead,” Lander said in a statement Monday.
Back Faster
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said last week that closing schools would be a last resort. New guidelines by state health officials cut in half the number of days students must quarantine if they are in contact with a Covid-positive classmate or staff member.
“We know the price we paid with learning loss,” Murphy said Dec. 13.
In Union Beach, New Jersey, the sole kindergarten-through-eighth-grade school, with roughly 600 students, is finishing the year with virtual classes after several staff had to quarantine. In a Dec. 16 letter on the district’s website, Superintendent Amanda Lewert said classes would be be online starting Dec. 17.
“We understand that this is an inconvenience for many,” Lewert said in a letter to parents.
For some districts, the winter break was perfect timing. Chicago schools are closed from Dec. 18 through Jan. 2. In the week ended Dec. 18, 880 staff and students tested positive for Covid-19, according to data on the district’s website. As of Dec. 14, the district had more than 6,800 students and 380 adults isolated or in quarantine.
In Prince George’s County, Maryland, students will begin virtual learning Monday and continue after winter break, returning to in-person classes on Jan. 18.
“Educators, administrators and support staff must be able to deliver in-person instruction and other activities in conditions that prioritize their own health,” Chief Executive Officer Monica Goldson said in a note to parents. “The increased positivity rates have significantly challenged the ability to do so, causing anxiety among many school communities and disruption.”
-With assistance from Shelly Banjo and Elise Young.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.