By Beth David, Editor
Most students in Massachusetts will be back in school full time by the end of April. Commissioner Education Jeffrey Riley said on Tuesday, 3/9, that all students must be back in school full time by the end of April.
Elementary school students need to be back in the classroom full time by April 5; middle schools by April 28. A date for high schools to return has not been announced.
After the target dates, remote and hybrid-learning will no longer count towards student learning days.
All students will be required to wear masks in schools, and adhere to other measures to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Teachers unions have pushed back saying that teachers should be vaccinated before being forced back into the classroom. Teachers are now eligible to receive the vaccine, but they must go through the same difficulties of trying to schedule a time at a variety of sites. Teachers unions are pushing to have teachers vaccinated in their schools by local fire departments.
Families can opt out and keep students learning remotely until the end of the year. Districts are also allowed to apply for waivers.
The state is also on track to continue loosening restrictions on businesses. On March 22, the state will enter Step 1 of Phase IV of the reopening plan. The state is currently in Step 2 of Phase III. To learn more about the steps, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts
On Tuesday, 3/9, the state reported 1,006 COVID-19 cases from 3/8, for a total of 561,981 total confirmed cases in Mass.; 20 new deaths were recorded, bringing the total confirmed deaths in Mass. to 16,123.
As of March 2, Acushnet had moved into the yellow (from red the week before). It had 1152 total cases, with 46 active (within the last 14 days), and a 4.66% positivity rate. Fairhaven remained in the yellow with 1742 total cases, 55 active; and a 2.74% positivity rate.
To learn more visit https://www.mass.gov
•••
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.
Click here to download the entire 3/11/21 issue: 03-11-21 AcushCOVIDTrailer_REV