SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Thousands of San Diego Unified School District students returned to school Monday morning, with many kids back on campuses for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic last year.
With the return of students for in-person instruction, San Diego Unified schools will have numerous health and safety measures in place that line up with state and CDC COVID-19 protocols.
One major district rule in effect at schools is face masks for students when they are indoors and outdoors. The exceptions are when students are eating and drinking, participating in PE, sports, or performing arts.
Additionally, all schools are enforcing social distancing among students.
At Mira Mesa High School, the changes were welcomed by students like senior Keilani Chertkow, who is a member of the ASB. She said, “I'm so glad to see my friends who I haven't seen in like two years. It's really great to reconnect with them and graduate with them.”
She said of the measures that are in place: “Personally, I'm not worried because I'm vaccinated. Of course, I'm worried about my grandmother who I live with.”
Mira Mesa High wrestler John Conlan said his team has been participating all summer, adding masks have just become part of the routine.
“It's just a necessary need to keep everyone safe; it makes sense,” said Conlan.
While district health officials said the virus can’t be kept away from schools, their plan is to keep it from spreading on campus.
District physician Dr. Howard Taras said, “Our schools reflect our community, and there is this virus in our community, there will be this virus in our schools. But what we can do is not transmit it from one person to another at our schools.”
Under state rules teachers, have to show proof of vaccination or participate in routine testing.
For families who are not comfortable with returning to campus, they were given the option to sign up for an online-based learning program.
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