MARQUETTE — The state of Michigan has set a goal for all Michigan school districts to offer in-person learning by March 1.

On Friday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced new guidance for schools to keep students, staff and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic while providing in-person instruction.

“The value of in-person learning for our kids is immeasurable, and we must do everything we can to help our kids to get the great education they need and to do so safely,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said during a Friday news conference.

The state’s goal is to have all Michigan school districts offer an in-person learning option for students no later than March 1, and earlier if possible.

The guidance emphasizes use of scientifically proven methods of reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread, which include wearing masks, ventilation improvements, frequent hand washing and social distancing — which Whitmer called a “fact-based approach.”

Vaccination of teachers and other school staff will begin Monday due to their roles as essential frontline workers.

As rapid testing access expands, Whitmer said the state has more tools to make school safer for educators and staff.

“On Wednesday, I announced that school and child care staff will be eligible to receive the COVID vaccine beginning this upcoming Monday,” she said. “My administration is working closely with school officials and community leaders to ensure schools can operate as safely as possible.”

Whitmer acknowledged that remote learning might be the best option for some families, and the state will support groups that wish to teach and learn from a distance.

She noted in-person learning provides a key benefit for many parents who rely on their children to be at school so they can work.

“Many students and families have struggled with remote learning and need opportunities for face-to-face interactions with educators, even if it is a hybrid schedule to allow for smaller groups to gather,” Whitmer said.

The MDHHS said wearing masks is especially important for controlling COVID-19 transmission and masks should be worn inside schools by all staff and students, except during meals and in other limited circumstances. Face masks may be made of cloth or may be disposable surgical-style masks.

Other infection control measures in the new MDHHS guidance include:

≤ When feasible, assign children to cohort groups and limit their interactions to their cohorts to reduce the number of contacts;

≤ Keep children 6 feet apart from one another to the extent feasible, making creative use of school spaces to facilitate distancing;

≤ Provide adequate hand-sanitizing supplies and reinforce proper hand-washing techniques;

≤ Improve air ventilation;

≤ Have staff and students conduct self-screenings for symptoms at home every day before going to school;

≤ Ensure school plans are in place in coordination with their local health departments if there are any positive COVID-19 tests; and

≤ Have staff and students who either test positive or are close contacts of those who test positive follow the guidance issued by MDHHS as well as local health departments. Anyone who is considered a close contact of someone who tests positive but does not have symptoms should quarantine for 10 days under guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In November, MDHHS paused in-person learning in high schools as part of an order to limit indoor gatherings to address an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths and in hospital occupancy rates.

After case numbers decreased, high schools were permitted to resume in-person classes effective Dec. 21.

Launch Michigan, a statewide K-12 partnership consisting of education, business, parent, philanthropic and civic leaders, issued a statement Friday regarding Whitmer’s plan for bringing Michigan students back to school.

“The governor’s plans for a safe return to school offer welcome news for our state and its children,” Launch Michigan President Adam Zemke said. “While necessary, we know distance learning has been challenging for all students and educators and, while all have stepped up in huge ways, we know learning is strongest when it happens face to face.

“As our state’s teachers, administrators and support staff can be protected through timely vaccine access, an important marker is beginning to be set in place. Our partners look forward to working in communities across Michigan to ensure this planned return to face-to-face instruction is safe and effective for everyone.”

Vaccine rollout could accelerate

The Associated Press reported on Friday that President-elect Joe Biden said he’ll speed release of coronavirus vaccines when he takes office Jan. 20.

His office said Biden will curtail the current practice of holding back vaccine doses to guarantee that people who get their first shot can also get a required second shot three weeks later.

Under the Trump administration’s approach, the government has been holding back a supply of vaccines to guarantee that people get the booster shot, the AP said in the Friday story.

It also reported the nation’s vaccination campaign has gotten off to a slow start, with only 5.9 million of 29.4 million available doses, or 27%, having been distributed, according to the CDC.

Library opening express services

Peter White Public Library announced it will open to walk-in express services beginning Jan. 25.

Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Curbside hours are 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday. Anyone needing curbside services outside of the these hours are asked to call the library at 906-228-9510 to make arrangements for pick-up.

The Marquette library said it will continue to strictly enforce proper mask wearing — over the mouth and nose — and social distancing.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net