Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issues executive order to reopen schools in-person by March 15

Republican Governor of Arizona Doug Ducey issued an executive order on Wednesday that mandates schools to offer teacher-led, in-person learning by March 15, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

“More than half of Arizona’s schools are open and offering in-person options,” Ducey tweeted. “More schools need to follow their lead and pave the way for equitable education options for every Arizona student.”

The order requires schools to return to in-person learning by March 15, or after Spring Break, according to the governor’s statement.

Ducey argued that the CDC and “numerous health officials have said time and time again that schools are safe and kids can go back to the classroom.”  

However, a parent or guardian may choose to continue virtual learning for their child.

The order will make an exception for middle and high schools located in counties with “high” transmission of COVID-19, as defined by the CDC. 

The statement noted that this currently includes three Arizona counties: Coconino, Yavapai, and Pinal. 

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“The CDC is clear that there is a safe pathway for all schools to open at any transmission level, and to stay open if they implement proper mitigation strategies,” the governor noted. 

This announcement comes a day after nearby Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced he would be lifting the mask mandate and “opening Texas 100 percent.”

Earlier, in the day, Joe Biden lashed out at Abbott and the Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, who intend to lift the previously imposed COVID-19 restrictions in the states, and the president called it a “big mistake” and a consequence of “neanderthal thinking”.