Returning to the Classroom Can Be Done Safely, but Cautiously

Much discussion throughout the state has surrounded how, and at what speed, K-through-12 students should be brought out of distance learning and into at least a hybrid model because of the Coronavirus.

Lacy Fehrenbach of the Washington State Health Department says, "We certainly want to be cautious. It does appear that we can open school and bring children back into the buildings for in-person learning especially when there are strong health and safety measures in place and the ability to quickly respond to cases."

Local districts that have been bringing back the students in stages have experienced no reports of outbreaks thus far.

Fehrenbach says only 36 outbreaks have occurred across Washington State since school started in the fall.

"There were 10 that happened either in the spring before we closed schools or this summer. Of the 36, 26 have been reported since Sept. 1. Nearly all are smaller outbreaks with fewer than five people."

The DOH adds an outbreak is considered to be two or more cases among students and staff at a school.