Delaware County schools should stay all-virtual when the fall school year starts, recommends the Chester County Health Department, reports 6abc.com.

The health department released an update Friday.

“Such a start will mitigate any impact anticipated by increased cases due to the end of the summer holiday,” the statement said.

The ability to offer in-person instruction should be re-evaluated Oct. 9, according to the statement.

The delay in offering in-person instruction would also give school districts more time to implement health safety procedures to contain the virus..

“Transitioning to a more in-person instructional model can only be considered when thresholds are met for three consecutive weeks and at least a 0.5% cumulative decrease in positivity [of COVID-19 cases] over the three weeks is reached,” according to the statement.

Virtual learning would not apply to special education, early childhood development or career and vocational education, which would still need to have social distancing, cleaning and protective gear for staff.

Transitioning to in-person instruction should be phased, beginning with younger grades.

Widespread outbreaks or staffing level issues at individual schools would also affect a decision for in-person instruction, it noted.

Find out more here. You can also click here for the Chester County Health Department update.

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