As COVID cases in NC hit new high, Cooper delays K-12 reopen plans

RALEIGH — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday gave himself an extension to complete what is perhaps his most critical decision yet this pandemic: how to reopen schools.

Cooper vowed to allow the state’s 115 school districts to take extra time to ensure their teachers and staff are prepared for each of the three potential scenarios as spelled out in the StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit, which was updated on June 30.

According to officials, this includes districts stocking up on thermometers and personal protective equipment (PPE), installing fiber or plexiglass barriers where applicable, and marking six feet spacing for seating and other areas to facilitate the appropriate social distancing.

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Cooper announced Wednesday that public health staff and emergency management began delivering a two-month supply of PPE to schools across the state. The protective gear will go to school nurses and staff who provide health care to children. In total, the shipments include more than 16,500 thermometers, 7,200 face shields, 81,000 gowns and more than 347,000 surgical masks.

Schools have been closed for in-person instruction since March 14 and the new academic year for traditional schools is only a few weeks away.

Cooper is asking schools beginning classes in July to conduct lessons remotely until a decision is made for in-person learning. When asked about universities and other higher education, the governor said more decisions will made in the coming weeks.

“We need to do everything within our collective power so that our children can return to in-person instruction,” said NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen. “We can do that with the scientifically proven protective measures in the StrongSchoolsNC guidance and all of us practicing the 3Ws.”

Schools are required to create the following three plans which spell out what's mandated and what's recommended regarding social distancing and minimizing exposure; face coverings; protecting vulnerable populations; cleaning and hygiene; monitoring for symptoms; handling suspected, presumptive, and confirmed COVID-19 cases; communication and combating misinformation; water and ventilation systems; transportation; and coping and resilience.

• Plan A: Minimal Social Distancing Will be implemented assuming state COVID-19 metrics continue to stabilize and/or move in a positive direction. All requirements in the guidance apply to Plan A.
• Plan B: Moderate Social Distancing Will be required if state COVID-19 metrics worsen and it is determined additional restrictions are necessary. All requirements in the guidance apply, with additional requirements in the Social Distancing and Minimizing Exposure and Transportation sections.
• Plan C: Remote Learning Only Will be implemented only if state COVID-19 metrics worsen significantly enough to require suspension of in-person instruction and the implementation of remote learning for all students, based on the remote learning planes required by Session Law 2020-3. The requirements listed in the guidance would not apply, as students and staff would not be gathering in groups on school grounds.

School districts may choose to implement a more restrictive plan but may not choose to implement a less restrictive plan than established by NCDHHS, NCSBE and NCDPI.

Cooper said the goal is to give districts flexibility because they are all different.

“We are not issuing a statewide directive today on how schools should be open in the fall. But we will soon,” Cooper said on Wednesday. “We want to get our students back in the classroom, and we want to make sure we get this right. My number one opening priority is classroom doors. So we encourage our public schools to continue that planning, with a special focus on how teachers, staff, and students can best be protected -- especially those who are high-risk.”

The governor stressed school is where children learn academics, build social skills and become tomorrow’s leaders. Cooper and Cohen both highlighted recent reports that mention in-person learning being beneficial and having a positive impact.

Cohen cited data surrounding children possibly transmitting COVID-19 at a lower rate and how new information can help developing plans evolve more.

According to Cooper, the state has spent the last few weeks getting feedback from those with boots on the ground in the education community.

Cohen said decisions on reopening schools go back to what we can do together to slow virus spread and noted how North Carolina is not “on fire” compared to other states.

Cooper mentioned how his mother was a teacher and understands the sacrifices made by educators.

“How to re-open North Carolina school buildings, bus garages, and administrative offices is a critical decision, and we are incredibly thankful for Governor Cooper’s thoughtful and thorough approach,” Tamika Walker Kelly, President of the North Carolina Association of Educators, said in a statement on Wednesday. “COVID information is changing on a daily basis, and the health and safety of all of our state’s educators, students, and their families is at stake. It is far more important to get this decision right than to get it done quickly. NCAE looks forward to working with the Governor and the State Board of Education to ensure educator voices continue to be heard in the planning to safely re-open our schools for students and all educators.”

NC state auditor has concerns about virtual schooling NC state auditor has concerns about virtual schooling

With Wednesday bringing the state’s highest increase in numbers, Cohen stressed the importance of face coverings and avoiding large gatherings going into the holiday weekend.

”Wear a mask because you want to protect your loved ones and your neighbors,” she said. “Wear a face covering because you want to reignite the economy and support businesses. Wear a face covering so our children can be back at school where they can grow, learn and thrive.”

When asked about holiday travel playing a role in possible virus spread, Cohen said most of North Carolina’s cases are driven from local transmission and community spread such as workplace exposure and large gatherings.

According to Cohen, North Carolina is seeing a “slow but steady increase” compared to states that now serve as cautionary tales for how things can change quickly.

Cooper explained his “pause” on loosening restrictions was in an effort to prevent moving backward like Florida and Arizona have had to do recently.

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