Inslee strongly recommends remote learning for schools in high-risk counties

OLYMPIA, Wash. — During a Wednesday news conference, Gov. Jay Inslee recommended that schools in high-risk counties remain closed this fall due to the pandemic.

Most schools in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties are starting the school year with remote learning.

Inslee is recommending this for other counties that are high risk, which are counties with more than 75 new cases per 100,000 residents over a two-week period.

He also strongly recommends canceling or postponing all in-person extracurricular activities.

For moderate-risk counties, which have more than 25 new cases per 100,000 residents over a two-week period, Inslee recommends distance learning for middle and high schools and possible in-person learning options for elementary school.

Low-risk counties, which have fewer than 25 new cases per 100,000 residents over a two-week period, are encouraged to do a hybrid in-person and remote learning for middle and high schools, and full-time in-person learning for elementary schools.

“School and public health leaders should be prepared to monitor for and respond to suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19,” the state said.

The state said it will provide $8.8 million to help low-income families buy internet plans and address other technology needs.

“That anxiety is not just about whether it’s safe to go back to school or how to do so but also about the impacts to children if they don’t return to the classroom,” said Governor Jay Inslee on Wednesday.

Dr. Rebecca Cronin, a pediatrician with UW Medicine, told KIRO 7 she’s seen parents and children dealing with anxiety from the uncertainty of COVID-19 and schooling.

“In older teenagers, we might see crankiness, rebelliousness,” said Dr. Cronin. “In younger kids, sometimes we see what’s called emotional dysregulation, where they have a harder time managing their emotions at home.”

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Dr. Cronin recommends parents avoid overpromising, ensure children get adequate sleep and have structure in their lives, which can help deal with the anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of living through a pandemic.

Keeping detailed calendars and checklists and going over them with kids can help structure their days to help deal with anxiety, according to Dr. Cronin.

“My most important piece of advice for parents is structure; it’s really important to children, having a predictable routine,” said Dr. Cronin, who said there are telehealth options to discuss anxiety with doctors if children start struggling to make it through the day.

Cox Media Group