Yuba-sutter drops into red tier, schools permitted to reopen for in-person instruction

Yuba and Sutter counties were both in the red, or “substantial spread,” tier of the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy as of Wednesday.

Within this tier, all schools are allowed to reopen for in-person instruction after meeting state metrics for two consecutive weeks.

Some kindergarten through sixth grade schools in the area have been allowed to reopen after obtaining waivers from the state but maintaining the required metrics for case counts and test positivity while in the red tier opens the door for all schools to reopen.

Luu said there are a number of factors to consider in the reopening process, and residents should not expect schools to open immediately.

According to a release issued by Bi-county Health, the soonest middle and high schools can reopen in Yuba County would be Wednesday, Oct. 21; the soonest middle and high schools can reopen in Sutter County would be Wednesday, Oct. 28.

“It is up to individual school districts to decide whether or not to reopen for in-person schooling, and what is permissible versus what is prudent will likely play a role in their decision-making,” according to the release. “Each school district must have a plan in place following the California Department of Public Health guidance on reopening—which addresses social distancing, facial coverings, disinfection, testing and contact tracing, staying within student pods, and more.”

The reopening can occur without the need for submission of a waiver, it was stated in the release, but it is strongly recommended that Yuba County and Sutter County school districts notify public health of their in-person learning plans.

Each county must remain in the current tier for at least three weeks before being able to move into the state’s next, less restrictive tier (orange) – the earliest for Yuba County would be Oct.

27, and Nov. 3 in Sutter County.