Educators call for schools to go virtual in areas where there is significant COVID transmission

Educators call for schools to go virtual in areas where there is significant COVID transmission

By Tyler Pratt

November 12, 2020

COVID cases are skyrocketing in the commonwealth and both Lehigh and Northampton counties have been moved to the state’s highest alert level – substantial transmission. WLVR’s Tyler Pratt reports, educators are calling on school districts to return to remote learning.

State guidelines say schools should move to 100% virtual instruction in counties with substantial transmission rates.

At least five high schools have temporarily closed in the Lehigh Valley this week, but others continue to operate with in-person instruction. 

Rich Askey is president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. He’s calling on districts to follow pandemic health guidance.

“It’s unacceptable for anyone to not follow the advice with the swing up we are seeing with the infection rate. We need to keep everyone safe. This is just not about students and faculty members, it’s about the entire community,” he said.

While some parents may have concerns about moving their kids to virtual learning again, Askey says it’s gotten better.

“We have really traveled a long road in a short time as far as online instruction goes,” said Askey.

State health officials have said they won’t close schools like they did in the spring, but plan to update their guidelines for districts as the COVID spread worsens. 

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