By Maria Polletta and Lily Altavena | Arizona Republic
A week after saying he was “hopeful” Arizona kids could safely return to classrooms later this year, Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday confirmed schools will reopen for in-person instruction in a few months.
Youth summer leagues, summer schools and day camps also can reopen, with some starting as soon as next week, the Republican leader said during an afternoon news conference.
Specific guidelines are forthcoming. But in both cases, kids will experience a “new normal” with physical distancing guidelines and other safety precautions.
“It will look different. It will feel different, ” Ducey said of students’ return. “But the idea is that kids will have a more traditional, routine school day where possible and safe.”
That routine likely will include less mixing at lunchtime and fewer assemblies. Arizona has the one of the highest student-to-teacher ratios in the nation, and teachers have said they’re concerned it will be hard to keep kids spaced out to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Related:Ducey aide: Nightclubs should remain closed under guidelines
