Tri Cities Reporter

Gov. Jay Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal recently updated school health and safety guidelines for reopening Washington public schools for in-person learning.

The update came after Inslee and his advisors evaluated recent data that showed that state health and safety protocols in schools curbed the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

"I have sought the opinions of state and local education administrators, as well as educators, staff, parents and school boards," Inslee said in a release. "... We are providing them more clarity and confidence in getting students back in the classroom," Inslee said during a press conference.

The Department of Health advises that schools are put into broken three categories for reopening to in-person learning.

School districts in Washington counties averaging fewer than 50 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents are advised to resume in-person learning at all grade levels.

School districts in Washington counties averaging between 50 and 350 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents can have on-site instruction in phases, starting with elementary students not already attending in person, then middle school students, followed by high school students.

Districts averaging more than 350 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents can give in-person instruction for elementary and high-need students in small groups of 15 students or less.