Elk Grove Unified School District Halts In-Person Instruction
The Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) has halted its plans to return to in-person instruction. Students in the District were to return to class as early as November. However, with Covid-19 cases on the rise, coupled with the weather getting colder, precautions are being taken.
According to the EGUSD website, released on November 10, 2020, “Sacramento County has returned to the Purple Tier, the Elk Grove Unified School District will not reopen schools for the In-Person/Concurrent learning model as hoped in either November or December.” Full Distance Learning will remain in effect until further notice. While all District’s sites will be closed, enrollment and regular business services will continue, the District says.
Sacramento County Public Health Order
The plans are a result of the amended Sacramento County Public Health Order, effective November 13, at noon until further notice. Summary updates:
- OUTDOOR operations only with mitigation measures: Cardrooms, satellite wagering; Family Entertainment Centers; Gyms and fitness centers; Movie theaters (includes maximum capacity); Museums, zoos, aquariums; Places of worship (includes maximum capacity); Playgrounds and recreational facilities; Restaurants; and Wineries. *Bars, pubs, brewpubs, and breweries may operate outdoors only if offering sit-down, outdoor meals.
- INDOOR operations with mitigation measures: All retail (maximum 25% capacity); Critical infrastructure; Hair salons and barbershops; Libraries (maximum 25% capacity); Nail salons and electrolysis operations; Personal care services; Professional sports (no live audiences); and Shopping centers (maximum 25% capacity) excludes food courts/common areas.
- Schools: In alignment with CDPH requirements, schools (all grade levels) that have reopened for in-person instruction, either under a waiver or while Sacramento County was in Red Tier 2 (9/29 – 11/10), are permitted to continue to conduct in-person instruction. Schools that have not reopened must wait until they are eligible again, either by waiver (grades TK-6 only) or when Sacramento County returns to Red Tier 2 for at least two weeks. See Order for additional details.
The County reinforces the stay-in-home orders, social distancing, face masks, and regular hand washing as the most effective protocols to stop the spread of the virus.
Governor Gavin Newsom revealed the Blueprint for a Safer Economy August 28, 2020 in order to adapt to our new reality of dealing with Covid-19. Built on lessons learned from the first six months of the pandemic, metrics based on case rates and test positivity, counties are assigned four colored tiers. The tiers Purple (Widespread), Red (Substantial), Orange (Moderate) and Yellow (Minimal) determine how many restrictions a particular sector must employ to decrease the spread of the disease.
Purple Tier
The Purple Tier, the most restrictive of the 4-tier assignment, reports 7 new daily cases with more than 8% of those testing positive. California Department of Public Health has confirmed 991,609 cases in California as of today. As the cases rise, so will the more serious outcomes of the positive tests for Covid-19.
Distance Learning can be a struggle for both parents and kids. Remember we are all adjusting to a new reality, so don’t be so hard on your little ones or yourself. Elk Grove is strong, so stay home, and stay safe to decrease the spread of this disease.
Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Find a Covid-19 testing site near you.
