Washington Governor Jay Inslee says his statewide stay-at-home order to slow the spread of coronavirus may need to be extended beyond its initial two-week period.
Washington has reported at least 147 deaths among 32-hundred confirmed cases of COVID-19. Inslee called maintaining social distancing is crucial, and says it would not be sufficient to knock down the curve in virus spread for two weeks and then have it come roaring back if the stay-at-home order is lifted prematurely.
Meanwhile, schools across Washington have been closed due to the coronavirus, but beginning next week authorities say they should be ready to teach again.
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal says his office’s expectation is schools ave plans in place by Monday. Starting April 6th, his office will start gathering data from districts on what those plans are and how they’ll be implemented. It also will gather data on how districts are addressing food distribution and child care.
There are still equity concerns among districts for students who might not have access to online learning materials, a concern shared by Reykdal, but cautioned districts to not let the risk of not serving students now be a reason why educators don’t do anything. (AP)
