State gives guidance to reopening schools to in-person instruction

Governor Andy Beshear’s administration released guidance for reopening schools to in-person instruction during his COVID-19 update Wednesday afternoon.

Governor Beshear announced 229 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total to 14,363 since the pandemic began. He says the data shows Kentucky continues to be in a plateau of new cases.

There was one new death related to the virus to report, making that total 538.

Education Commissioner Kevin Brown says school systems will need to sit students six feet apart when possible and those students will need to wear masks during instruction when it’s not possible.

Students will need to wear masks any time they are moving from one place to another and when they are on a school bus.

Schools will have to implement procedures to screen students for illness, including taking temperatures, new sanitation measures must be taken in buildings and buses and districts will have to cooperate with local health departments on contact tracing.

Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman announced there will be flexibility granted to districts to meet new guidelines, including an unlimited number of non-traditional instruction days and a funding system that is not tied to average daily attendance so districts can use a hybrid system of virtual and in-person learning if it becomes necessary.

Governor Beshear announced there will be face-to-face unemployment claim assistance available by appointment July 7 and 8 in Hopkinsville, with additional details to be released in the coming days.

Tennessee gained 932 new cases to 37,235 and 14 more deaths brings their fatality count to 556. Montgomery County added 15 new cases and is at 407, Robertson County gained seven cases to 722 and Stewart County remains at 19.