While schools in Arizona and across the U.S. are grappling with how and if to send students back to classrooms, officials in neighboring Sonora, Mexico, have decided against a return to in-person schooling for now.

Sonoran officials announced Monday that there is no indication that it will be safe to re-open classrooms this fall. Instead, students across the state will attend school virtually starting in August.

"There is no indication that classes will be able to start in-person," said Sonora’s Director of Preventative Health Gerardo Álvarez during a virtual press conference Monday. "Educators at every level should develop strategies to educate the school population virtually."

Alvarez added that there are still high numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths in the state, and sending children back to school can only be done safely once spread of the virus is better controlled.

Education authorities also laid out a three-phase plan Monday to prepare school leaders and teachers for virtual learning this fall. There is currently no timeline for a return to in-person classes. But questions remain about access to online schooling for many Sonoran students.

→ Read The Latest News On The Coronavirus Disease