Montco votes for all schools to go virtual as COVID-19 rises

Philadelphia and three of its four collar counties meet the statistical threshold for “substantial” transmission.

Philadelphia and three of its four collar counties meet the statistical threshold for “substantial” transmission. The lone exception, as of now, is Chester County.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s PolicyLab, which has been advising state and local education officials since the pandemic began, suggested this week that all Philadelphia-area schools go fully virtual to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Chair Val Arkoosh praised the board’s action Friday as a ”proactive approach” ahead of Thanksgiving gatherings.

“I want to make clear that I want in-person school to continue, and based on our data in Montgomery County, our team believes this brief pause in in-person schooling will support this goal,” said Arkoosh in a statement.

Montgomery County’s Board of Health had planned to vote on the order Thursday, but decided to delay after more than two hours of emotional comment from parents and residents — virtually all of whom argued against closing schools.

“There’s no evidence this is even affecting the schools. You are impacting families. Impacting them financially. Impacting them emotionally,” Michael Napolitan testified. “There is no reason for this. It’s all fake.”

More than 3,000 people tuned in on Friday to watch the vote. Once again, the comments were almost entirely against moving schools online.

“How is it that all of these non-elected officials can impact our families so severely. Do we have any recourse?” said Amie Mattes.

Many parents are skeptical that in-person classes will resume this calendar year.

“Students aren’t going back on Dec 6. Don’t kid yourself,” said Michael Demar.

The board will meet next on Dec. 2.

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