6/25/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

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On June 25th, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update on Testing, Hospitalizations, and the Initial Back To School Guidelines for the Fall.

Here is the summary.

Testing

  • Yesterday, more than 7,300 tests were reported in MA with 172 new positive COVID-19 cases confirmed. 

Hospitalizations

  • As of yesterday, there are currently 939 individuals hospitalized as a result of COVID-19, and 181 are in the ICU. 

    • These hospitalizations represent about a 75% drop since mid-April. 

Initial Back To School Guidelines for the Fall

  • The Administration has presented a plan that will allow schools to responsibly do what is best for MA students; this detailed document that was released today was developed with the collaboration between medical experts, school administrators, and other education stakeholders. Please be aware that there will be additional guidance coming in July. 

  • School officials now have a blueprint that they can use to create three possible plans/models of learning with a priority on providing in-person instruction this fall.

    • The goal is to get students back into the classroom with the necessary health and safety requirements in place. The Administration is advising districts to develop these plans to be well prepared for whatever comes our way in the fall. 

    • The Administration also is aware of the costs that may come with these programs and are making additional funding of $200 million available for school costs related to reopening. On top of this, the Administration is also committing $25 million in federal funds to a matching grant program to fund technology purchases for remote learning if necessary. 

The Three Models

  • 1.) The In-Person Model

    • In this model, students would return to school in buildings, but schedules, classrooms, and protocols are adapted to meet health and safety requirements that are prescribed in the guidance.

  • 2.) The Hybrid Model

    • In this model, some students would be returning to school while another group would stay home and learn remotely; and then they would switch. It has not been decided how often they would switch.

  • 3.) The Remote Learning Model

    • This model will be used in the case of a second spike of the virus. 

Please see more information about the Initial Fall Reopening Guidance here.