Arizona Educators Urge Gov. Ducey To Implement Statewide Actions Against COVID-19
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Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman and the state’s largest teachers’ union have released statements on actions they would like the state to take against COVID-19. This comes as the state continues to see a rise in COVID-19 cases.
The Arizona Education Association has sent a letter to Gov. Doug Ducey urging him to implement a statewide COVID-19 school safety plan. The guidelines currently in place are not sufficient, the association said in its Monday letter.
"Too many Arizonans feel this pandemic is a hoax," it said. "They are not taking seriously your recommendations to “mask up” to stop the spread. Parents, students, and educators need you to state in the strongest and clearest terms a plan with mandates their safety and reverses the spread of this virus."
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The plan that the association would like to see Ducey implement a plan that would include requiring school districts to follow certain safety protocols as well as creating a mechanism where parents and school staff can report non-compliance.
This is the third letter the association has sent Ducey asking him to work it to find solutions for schools during these challenging times. The association is also gathering signatures for a petition demanding action from Ducey.
In a separate statement posted on Twitter, Hoffman said she supports actions such as a statewide mask mandate, quarantine and testing requirements for snowbirds and a limit on social gatherings.
The Governor’s Office will continue working with Hoffman and the Arizona Department of Education to prioritize safety and Arizona’s kids, Ducey’s spokesman said in a statement.
