In-Person School For All Washington K-12 Students This Fall: DOH

OLYMPIA, WA — Just a day after adolescents became eligible for Pfizer vaccines, state health officials released updated guidance requiring all Washington schools to plan for full-time, in-person education during the 2021-2022 school year.

Some districts, like Puyallup, announced full-time plans late last month. Seattle Public Schools announced full reopening plans Thursday morning.

"Schools are fundamental to child and adolescent development and well-being," said Dr. Umair Shah, state Secretary of Health. "They provide children with academic instruction, support for developing social and emotional skills, safety, reliable nutrition and more. We are releasing this guidance early to give the [school] districts in Washington the opportunity to put plans in place for a safe and successful 2021-2022 school year."

The Department of Health released a few highlights of what students and staffers can expect, including reduced physical distancing rules.

• All students, school personnel, volunteers, and visitors must wear at least a cloth face covering or an acceptable alternative when indoors, as well as outdoors where a minimum of six feet distancing cannot be maintained.
• Schools must have basic ventilation, cleaning and infection control plans updated to reflect what is currently known about COVID-19.
• In preparation for the potential of COVID-19 infections while at school, schools must have a response plan in place that includes communication with staff, families, their school district, and local health jurisdiction.
• Schools should prepare to provide instruction for students who are excluded from school due to illness or quarantine.
• Physical distancing of at least three feet or more between students in classroom settings and at least six feet or more in most situations outside of the classroom to the degree possible is recommended. However, physical distancing recommendations should not prevent a school from offering full-time, in person learning to all students/families in the fall.
• While COVID-19 testing programs and vaccinations are not required for providing in-person learning, these measures can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools and the broader community.

Each school will still need to follow current state reopening guidance in the classroom, and during extracurricular activities, officials said. As the COVID-19 crisis evolves, the state will continue to update its guidance, and it is likely to change further before the next school year begins.

Families can review the full guidance for summer session and the 2021-2022 school year on the Department of Health website.