Starting Today, US Schools Reopen... Despite Omicron Surge, Education Authorities Say "In-Person Learning Is Fundamental"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The new COVID-19 variant Omicron is rapidly spreading in the United States, raising concerns among elementary, middle, and high school students, parents, and teachers as they prepare to return to school on the 3rd (local time) after winter break. However, education authorities have made it clear that "in-person education is our basic principle" and that there will be no "school closures" like last year.

On the 2nd, Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education, appeared on CBS's Face the Nation and said, "We know there may be obstacles starting tomorrow (the first day of school)," but added, "I believe that in-person education for all students nationwide should remain our basic approach even amid the spread of Omicron." This was a direct response to calls for remote learning ahead of the new semester. Most schools in the U.S. will resume classes on the 3rd after a two-week winter break that began at the end of last year.

Secretary Cardona explained, "We have better tools than before," and "We can conduct (in-person education) safely." He also emphasized that a budget of $100 has already been allocated for COVID-19 testing for students. Although the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly, this suggests that unlike the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines and safety guidelines are now in place to mitigate the impact.

Regarding recent concerns raised by local teachers' unions such as the UFT in New York City about the risks of in-person education, he responded, "The message that in-person education is fundamental has not changed." New York City Mayor Eric Adams also supported the in-person education policy in an interview with ABC, stating, "We have lost nearly two years of education," and "We cannot let that happen again."

The authorities' reaffirmation of the in-person education policy is interpreted as a judgment that if schools were to close again as they did in the first half of last year, it would not only impair students' learning abilities but also affect parents' livelihoods. Earlier, President Joe Biden also drew a line against the need for school closures.

However, concerns are pouring in mainly from parents and teachers. Washington D.C. and Baltimore have extended their winter breaks by two days. Chicago recommends COVID-19 testing before returning to in-person classes. Los Angeles (L.A.) has announced strict mask-wearing rules and COVID-19 testing for all staff and students. Burbio, a data company monitoring K-12 school closures, reported that nearly 2,200 schools nationwide will not open on the 3rd.

Secretary Cardona also acknowledged that emergency measures might be implemented depending on the future spread. He recently stated, "I have received reports that 5-10% of staff may have difficulty working due to the surge in infections," and added, "We recognize that temporary emergency options may be necessary for the safety of students." He also recommended vaccination, noting, "In areas with high vaccination rates, fewer students have been hospitalized."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.