Newsom Order Mandates Online Learning in Southern California -- For Now

Gov. Gavin Newsom today issued new rules that could force K-12 school campuses across much of California — including all of the greater Los Angeles region — to remain closed until their counties see declining rates of coronavirus cases.

Under the state’s new directive, both public and private schools cannot hold in-person classes if their county has been on California’s coronavirus monitoring list at any point in the last 14 days.

Schools must offer “distance learning only” until COVID-19 metrics improve and the county’s been off the watchlist for at least 14 days, the state rules say.

Most of the state’s counties — including Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties plus the Inland Empire — are currently on that monitoring list. Basically, unless conditions improve in Southern California in the next two to three weeks, any plan to start a new school year with in-person instruction might have to be set aside.

Here’s Newsom:

And as EdSource points out, some districts in counties not on the state’s monitoring list — like San Francisco Unified — have opted for “online-only” starts as well.

But the governor’s move also comes as some local officials push to reopen schools with fewer restrictions. Orange County's Board of Ed recently approved a (non-binding) set of school-reopening guidance that casts doubt on the value of masks and social distancing.

MORE ON THIS STORY:

• In new guidance, Gov. Newsom expected to impose strict regulations for school opening and closing — EdSource, first with this story today
• Read the state's guidance and directive on reopening
• As Coronavirus Surges, LAUSD Will Not Reopen Campuses For Start Of Next School Year
• OC Board Of Education Says Districts Should Reopen Without Mask Requirement Or Social Distancing

Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our nonprofit public service journalism: Donate now.