Governor Roy Cooper announced on July 14 that North Carolina public schools will open in August with fewer children in the classroom, utilizing social distancing, face coverings, and frequent cleanings.

“The most important opening is that of our classroom doors. Our schools provide more than academics; they are vital to our children’s’ health, safety and emotional development,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a difficult time for families with hard choices on every side. I am committed to working together to ensure our students and educators are as safe as possible and that children have opportunities to learn in the way that is best for them and their families.”

Face coverings will be required for every teacher, staff, and student from kindergarten through high school. The state will provide five face coverings for every teacher, staff, and student.

"After looking at the current scientific evidence and weighing the risks and benefits, we have decided to move forward with today’s balanced, flexible approach which allows for in-person instruction as long as key safety requirements are in place in addition to remote learning options.” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD.

Under Plan B, schools are required to follow key safety measures that include:

• Require face coverings for all teachers and students K-12

• Limit the total number of students, staff and visitors within a school building to the extent necessary to ensure 6 feet distance can be maintained when students/staff will be stationary 

• Conduct symptom screening, including temperature checks 

• Establish a process and dedicated space for people who are ill to isolate and have transportation plans for ill students

• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in the school and transportation vehicles regularly

• Require frequent hand washing throughout the school day and provide hand sanitizer at entrances and in every classroom

• Discontinue activities that bring together large groups 

• Limit nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups 

• Discontinue use of self-service food or beverage distribution 

“We will continue to follow the science and data and update recommendations as needed. We ask every North Carolinian to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and follow the three W’s: Wear a face covering when in public, Wait 6 feet apart, Wash your hands.,” said Cohen.

Governor Cooper’s plan to reopen the schools incorporate Plan B with an option for school districts and parents to choose Plan C. The previously released plans for in-person instruction are Plan A: Minimal Social Distancing, Plan B: Moderate Social Distancing, or Plan C: Remote Learning Only.

“The start of school is a month away, and we know a lot can happen in that time. If trends spike North Carolina will remove to remote learning as we did in March,” said Cooper.

CDC Director Robert Redfield said that if everyone would wear a face covering for the next 6 weeks, we could drive this virus into the ground.

Governor Cooper strongly encourage all superintendents to meet with teachers and staff to shape their plans.

“As we continue to see rising case numbers and hospitalizations, we will stay in Safer At Home Phase 2 for three more weeks,” said Governor Cooper. “Our re-opening priority is the school building doors, and in order for that to happen we have to work to stabilize our virus trends.”