Dating back to the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has been vague when it comes to the status of K-12 schools returning to class in fall.
On Tuesday, however, he offered his most definitive statement on the matter, saying that it is Ohio's goal to have students return to classrooms this fall.
“We fully intend to have school in the fall," DeWine said. "Our goal is to have kids in the classroom."
As for when classes will be permitted to resume, DeWine said it will be up to each school district to determine its calendar. Rather, DeWine said the state will offer guidance for health and safety measures for schools to implement upon returning.
Ohio K-12 students were initially sent home from school for a three-week break beginning on March 16. On March 30, DeWine announced that students would remain away from the classroom through the remainder of the academic calendar.
As of Tuesday, Ohio has had 36,350 confirmed and probable positive coronavirus cases, including 6,176 hospitalizations, 1,583 ICU admissions and 2,258 deaths.