TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that on Monday, she will sign an executive order to delay opening schools until after the Labor Day holiday.
“I can’t in good conscience open schools when cases in our state are at an all-time high and continuing to rapidly rise,” Governor Kelly said. “Every action I have taken throughout this pandemic has been done to keep Kansans healthy, keep our state open for business and get our kids back in school.”
The Governor made this decision in consultation with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Education, which continue to monitor health metrics and disease spread in the state.
On Monday, a record coronavirus spike pushed Kansas past 20,000 total cases. ICU capacity in some of the state’s hospitals are under threat, and nearly 300 Kansans have died.
The Governor will also issue an executive order requiring schools to mandate commonsense mitigation strategies outlined in the Kansas Board of Education’s fall plan for schools. Under the order, masks, social distancing, proper hygiene, and daily temperature checks will be enforced regardless of the Kansas school district.
“The additional three weeks before opening schools will provide schools time to work with their counties to get the necessary mitigation supplies like masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer,” Governor Kelly said. “The Kansas State Board of Education and I are united in prioritizing the health of our students and faculty, and ensuring we provide a world-class education for our students.”
Further details will be announced next week after the order is released.
The Kansas Board of Education approved “Navigating Change 2020” school reopening document Wednesday morning. It includes:
— Students above fifth grade, staff and school visitors should wear masks
— Everyone should wash hands every hour
— Social distancing of at least six feet should occur wherever possible
— Students and employees who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 should be prohibited from school
— Meal service periods should be extended to allow for fewer students in the serving area at one time
— Staff temperatures should be taken daily
— Families should be responsible to take the temperatures of their children