North Carolina state leaders and health experts are strongly encouraging schools to reopen for in-person learning. The recommendation comes just short of a mandate, but both Governor Roy Cooper and Health Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen encourage districts to allow students to return to the classroom.
Most of North Carolina's schools districts have reopened for in-person learning to some degree. With strict guidance to safety protocols in place, state leaders believe all schools can and should reopen safely.
"Protecting the health and safety of all the people of this state, especially our children and our teachers, has been our goal," said Gov. Cooper. "We know schools is important for reasons beyond academic instruction. School is where students learn social skills, get reliable meals, and find their voices. Research done right here in North Carolina tells us that in-person learning is working and that students can be in classrooms safely with the right safety protocols in place."
Cooper said students should still have the option to continue remote learning, but that they should also have the opportunity to learn in classrooms. Educators who are at risk of COVID-19, Cooper said, should provide the remote instruction.
Dr. Cohen said research has shown that younger children are less likely to contract and transmit COVID-19, and that prevention measures have proven to be effective in schools that have reopened. Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt said the data of in-person instruction shows that schools can open safely while adhering to COVID-prevention policies.
"For many schools, the logistics of returning to in-person instruction five days per week will be a challenge, but this is absolutely a challenge we must face head-on so that all students have a chance to fulfill their potential," Truitt said. "With strong prevention measures in place and the scientific research to back them, now is the time to act. North Carolina's students cannot lose any more time."
While educators are glad for the chance to return to the classroom, many are still concerned about the move to in-person instruction before receiving a vaccine. According to health experts, educators are classified as frontline essential workers and are next in line to receive their vaccinations. However, with limited supply, it is unclear when that will be.
Cohen announced that the state has surpassed 1 million vaccine doses administered across the state, calling it an "incredible milestone." The NCDHHS is also launching a new video series on Tuesday to help answer questions and talk about the various vaccines currently available.
Watch the full press conference here.
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