TUCSON— Today, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva sent a letter to Governor Doug Ducey to inquire about his plan to ensure schools can conduct safe in-person learning as set out by guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With Arizona’s transmission rate so high, Rep. Grijalva demanded answers on what measures the state was undertaking to lower rates to a safe enough level to get all students back in the classroom. The letter read in part:

“Despite reporting the highest rate of new coronavirus cases in the United States, leading in hospitalizations, and reporting above average death rates, the state has resisted necessary mitigation steps. Arizona health leaders have repeatedly urged you implement proven mitigation measures such as a statewide mask mandate and stricter prohibition on indoor gatherings. And while the state has refused to implement various approaches to stem the spread of this virus, the children of Arizona have suffered as many schools have been forced to continue distance learning modes.

“I am confident we agree that students across the state need to return to in-person learning in the safest possible environment. The newly released K-12 guidance from the CDC is based on the best available scientific evidence to provide a roadmap for protecting teachers, staff, and our children. Beyond vaccination efforts, I would like information regarding what additional actions you plan to take to move our counties into lower transmission categories so that schools can safely return to in-person learning.”

Click here to read the letter.

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