Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has admitted that he is worried about the reopening of schools in a month, as the COVID-19 cases throughout the state continue to rise.
“The Superintendent and I are very worried about our children returning to school next month unless the spread of the virus is tamped down immediately,” Mayor Gimenez said.
“I also want to make sure that working parents have options for the school year, but we must have a safe environment. Children and teenagers may not even know they have the virus, but they can be spreading it to their teachers and classmates with autoimmune problems or other medical conditions, as well as spreading it to their parents and grandparents, who are at highest risk of severe symptoms and death from COVID-19,” Mayor Gimenez added.
“That’s why it’s so important for everyone to wear masks, social distance and wash their hands often. It’s up to all of us to change the trajectory of this deadly virus.”
The Miami-Dade School Board unanimously approved a detailed and dynamic schools reopening plan, which allows parents to choose the mode of schooling for their children.
“The reopening of schoolhouses across our state and nation cannot be a one-size-fits all approach,” said Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.
“In addition to scientific data, the unique circumstances our community is facing must be taken into account. We are working closely with the Mayor, seasoned medical experts and educators to guide our decision making, and ensure all community parameters are clear for the safe return of our students and employees,” he added.
The reopening plan was crafted with the understanding that its implementation is based on Miami-Dade County moving into Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan.
Superintendent Carvalho has said that if the county is still under phase one reopening by August 24, the first day of school, then schooling will be held entirely online.
