Snohomish County health officials are urging local school districts to have students return for remote instruction this fall. | Pixabay
Snohomish County health officials are urging local school districts to have students return for remote instruction this fall. | Pixabay
Snohomish County health officials are recommending that the school year start with remote learning as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the area.
Snohomish County Health Officer Chris Spitters said in a letter to public and private school administrators that a return to in-person classes could lead to outbreaks in schools and increase the risk for community spread of the virus.
Data from the Washington State Department of Health show that disease activity has steadily increased from a low of 15.9 coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents in early June to 89.1 cases as of July 22.
Though more is known now about how to contain the virus, Spitters argues the county does not have much experience implementing those precautions in a school setting. He fears in-person learning may come at an expense of human health, KING 5 reported.
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction released guidelines for fall learning, including wearing face masks and practicing social distancing should students return to the classroom this fall. The office is allowing individual school districts to determine which method of instruction is right for them.
Most school districts in Snohomish County have not yet released their reopening plans, KING 5 reported.
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