INLAND EMPRIE – (INT) - Riverside County’s adjusted case rate for new COVID-19 cases have dropped below a threshold that will allow transitional kindergarten through sixth grade education to reopen in accordance with the state’s framework.

Tuesday marked the milestone for Riverside County’s adjusted countywide daily COVID-19 cases of less than 25 per 100,000 residents.

In accordance with the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) reopening framework and, as Riverside County remains in the state’s purple tier, county schools and districts with approved COVID-19 prevention plans and checklists may reopen for the transitional kindergarten classrooms through sixth grade education.

“The pandemic has had a major impact on education, like everything else, and as case rates currently continue to decline we can start getting more kids back in class,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County’s public health officer. “But this can’t be without safety precautions or monitoring. Our districts and schools are committed to operating safely, and so am I.”

Four school districts already have safety-plan approvals from the county and state approval is anticipated.

The four districts with the approvals include the Corona-Norco Unified School District, the Palo Verde Valley Unified School District, Desert Sands Unified School District and Murrieta Valley Unified School District. Parents within these districts are encouraged to check with their school or district for more information on returning to in-person learning.

Last week, San Bernardino County registered an adjusted case rate of below 25 for five consecutive days, which means that beginning now, all K-6 schools have become eligible to reopen, provided they follow specific safety measures.

All teachers are now eligible for vaccination.

Story Date: March 1, 2021