Manhattan Beach: Schools Can Reopen For Grades TK-6 In LA County

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Students from TK through 6th grade could return to in-person learning on their school campuses as early as this week, according to Los Angeles County officials. The LA County Department of Public Health said last night that COVID-19 statistics in the county are expected to move to "an adjusted case rate of 25 per 100,000" today [Tuesday, Feb. 16], the number at which the state allows elementary schools to reopen.

"All schools wishing to reopen must submit plans to the County Department of Public Health and the California Department of Public Health certifying that they have implemented a full range of safety measures to permit a safe reopening," according to a Public Health news release.

Public Health said it was "informing Los Angeles County schools tonight [Monday, Feb.15] via an emailed letter that we expect to announce we have reached this threshold effective Tuesday, Feb. 16."

"This is an encouraging milestone and we look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure safety for students, teachers and staff returning to schools," read the news release. For students in grades 3-6 in Manhattan Beach, the news represents the first time since mid-March of 2020 that the possibility existed for them to be able to return to learning on campus. Students in grades TK-2 have been on campus part-time, if their guardian so desired, since November, with a nearly month-long break due to the January coronavirus surge.

The Manhattan Beach Unified School District has not released any information yet as to when 3rd-6th graders could be allowed to return to on-campus learning.