K-12 schools in San Luis Obispo County can now reopen for modified in-person instruction, according to County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein.
According to the state's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, schools can reopen once their county has been in the red tier for at least two weeks. Tuesday marks two weeks for San Luis Obispo County.
However, it's up to the individual school districts to decide if they will reopen. Some school districts have already decided to remain virtual-only through the end of the calendar year.
Those that do wish to reopen must submit a plan for modified in-person instruction to the County Health Officer for review. Dr. Borenstein says the Public Health Department has already received at least six reopening plans from local schools.
Currently, 13 private schools across San Luis Obispo County have reopened at the elementary school level after applying for waivers.
Borenstein says the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) and Pleasant Valley School District also applied for waivers. The PRJUSD Board is expected to discuss potential reopening plans at its meeting Tuesday night.
Health officials say that if the county moves back to the more restrictive purple tier, schools that have reopened will not be required to close.
