California has given 109 schools waivers to open for in-person instruction

The California Department of Public Health has approved 109 schools for waivers as reported in its new statewide list of elementary schools that have received waivers to open as of Aug. 25, the latest update. The schools are primarily private and religious schools in Orange, San Diego and San Bernardino Counties. Four schools were denied.

In July, the state said that county health officers, after consulting with state public health officials, could permit K-6 schools to open in counties where schools are closed to in-person instruction because of high rates of infection and other coronavirus-related criteria. Schools must submit plans assuring that health protocols would be followed, including social distancing, face coverings and testing.

Several small elementary school districts in San Benito, Orange and San Diego counties, the Moreland School District in San Jose and the Learning Choice Academy, a charter school network in San Diego County, also have received waivers. San Diego County announced this week it was suspending waiver applications, since the county is off the state monitoring list, and all schools will be allowed to reopen, as of Sept. 1.