Arizona Schools: 10 Counties Meet Guidelines For Reopening

ARIZONA — Arizona schools in 10 counties have now met the state's recommended benchmarks for reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Arizona Department of Health Services announced Thursday.

Eight new counties have now met the requirements to begin a hybrid of in-person and virtual learning: Maricopa, Pima, Cochise, Coconino, Navajo and Pinal. Two counties — Greenlee and La Paz — previously met those requirements and are now eligible to fully open for in-person learning.

“When it comes to Arizona’s children, our focus has been ensuring that students and teachers have a safe and successful academic year while regaining the immense benefits that in-person learning provides,” Gov. Doug Ducey said in a news release. “Now, guided by public health data, schools have a path toward a safe return to the classroom.”

As of Thursday, Arizona reported 1,091 new coronavirus cases and 65 known deaths.

The eight new counties have now entered the moderate phase of community spread, which means that new cases have declined for two weeks, the county has gone two weeks with percent positivity under seven percent and hospital visits with COVID-like symptoms are below 10 percent.

The state recommends implementing methods to mitigate the spread of the virus as students and teachers slowly return to the classroom for hybrid learning.

Masks should be worn for anyone over the age of 5, social distancing, enhanced cleaning protocols, no communal spaces and screening for typical COVID-19 symptoms have all been recommended. Greenlee and La Paz, which have both entered the minimal stage of community spread, will be subject to fewer mitigation methods.

School districts have been required to open one location for in-person learning for vulnerable students since Aug. 17. Since then, several schools have been forced to close due to coronavirus outbreaks, including schools in the Tucson Unified School District. Arizona requires schools to report any outbreaks.

The state said parents should view their schools' plans before deciding whether in-person learning is right for their family.

“The primary goal is to keep our children, staff and their families safe and healthy throughout this school year,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman said in a statement. “I urge every member of Arizona’s school communities to proceed with caution and refer to the Roadmap for Reopening Schools for guidance as we begin the return to in-person learning across our state.”