Gov. Newsom orders virtual instruction in most California counties

Schools can physically reopen this fall — but only if they’ve been off the state’s COVID-19 monitoring list for 14 days. If schools don’t meet this requirement, they have to start the fall with distance learning. The L.A. Unified School District has already announced that it will be opening with distance learning this fall.

Learning in California is non-negotiable, Newsom said, adding that schools must provide meaningful instruction during the pandemic — whether or not they’re physically open. However, safety is also non-negotiable for both staff and students, he said.

The governor laid out five elements of the state’s school pandemic plan:

Safe in-person school based on local health data
Mask requirements
Physical distancing + other adaptations
Regular testing + dedicated contact tracing
Rigorous distance learning

All school staff and students in third grade and above must wear masks under the new guidelines. Students in second grade and below are encouraged to wear masks or face shields, but are not required to do so. The ability to see expressions through face shields is important for younger children, the governor said.

Staff have to maintain at least six feet of distance with other staff and students. The school day should start with symptom checks, Newsom said, and there are expectations around hand washing stations, sanitation and disinfection, and quarantine protocols. Each school site must also have continuity and attendance plans.