Keep it virtual

As I write this, the city of Virginia

Beach had its highest day for cases since the pandemic started (503 cases). The percent positivity rate for the city is 20.9% and rising, yet the Virginia Beach City Public Schools proposed a plan to send its students and teachers back on Jan. 19. This plan is not only dangerous, it is irresponsible, with no measurable metrics aside from burden and absences. By the time a student or staff member is absent, the coronavirus has already spread through the classroom and school.

On top of this there is a new strain of the virus that has a higher transmission rate. Risk of transmission within schools is dependent on community spread. Schools must not remain open for face-to face instruction in the setting of substantial community transmission, which is where we currently are. Many in the community are not adhering to the guidelines for gatherings, which is contributing to the spread.

I implore Superintendent Aaron Spence, Chief Schools Officer Donald Robertson and the School Board to reconsider this plan. Delay face-to-face instruction until the case numbers and percent positivity rate are on a downward trend and teachers, staff and specialists are able to be immunized. Do not send students and staff back into school buildings during some of the highest points of cases, hospitalizations and deaths for the city of Virginia Beach. the Virginia Beach School Board, Mayor Bobby Dyer and the state and federal governments. Let your voices be heard. Choose the mental and physical health of our children and teachers.

M.J. Long, Virginia Beach