Coronavirus: New recommendations released for safety when reopening schools

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — New recommendations released this week outline how to get kids back into the classroom safely after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atlantic Beach mom Leslie Greer told Action News Jax that online learning allows her kids to enjoy extra hours at the skate park.

“We kind of, knock it out most mornings, are done by lunch, and then have more free time – more outdoor time,” Greer said.

Action News Jax reported when both Florida and Georgia’s governors announced classes will stay online through the end of this school year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics released recommendations for schools to reopen safely.

The suggestions include:

• Test students and staff
• Limit student interactions
• Reduce hours when reopening
• Prepare for periodic closures in case the virus rebounds

President Donald Trump, who said he’s pushing for schools to restart by fall, suggested at-risk staff members stay home until everything is “perfect.”

“We don’t want to spread it to anyone, but we want to keep our kids safe so they don’t have to get fully isolated from everyone and all their friends,” Greer said.

Action News Jax reached out to local school districts about reopening plans.

District spokespersons sent the following responses:

Duval

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve demonstrated our inclination to follow guidance from health authorities. It is too soon to predict what the new school year will look like, but we will continue to make decisions within the guidance of health officials.”

St. Johns

“Currently we are addressing what the summer months will look like and are discussing what next school year will entail.”

Clay

“Our district will certainly be taking guidance from the CDC, our emergency management partners, and the Department of Education.”

Nassau

“No decisions have been made concerning next year. The district will be relying heavily on guidance provided by the Florida Department of Education concerning what school will look like next year.”

Still, some parents said they might not feel comfortable sending their kids back to class.

Greer didn’t think the district would let students’ safety slide.

“If they say August is the time we want to go back, we’re on board. If they say no we want to wait – they’re the ones that have more of the knowledge of that so we’re going to trust them to tell us,” she said.

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