Gov. Northam has asked local school divisions across the state to come up with a plan to offer at least some form of in-person classroom learning starting March 15.
Northam says the schools will follow all safety guidelines such as wearing face coverings and spacing out desks. School divisions have been given additional funding to help with the cost of maintaining safety guidelines, increased sanitation, transportation, and food programs.
Schools will also develop expanded summer school options to help students catch up. Summer school will not be mandatory, but State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. James Lane, says some schools may add to their school year.
Lane says every school division has its own concerns and will make its own plan. Gov. Northam says that some families may not feel comfortable with in-person learning, so there will be options.
On the topic of COVID-19 vaccinations, Northam says Virginia's supply is steadily increasing, having received 23% more vaccines this week. So far, about 1 million Virginians have received at least their first dose.
The Federal Government will start sending vaccines directly to pharmacies in Virginia beginning next week. These vaccines will be in addition to the doses being sent to the Virginia Dept. of Health.
A new VDH call center will be available within the next week or two that will allow all Virginians to call for information and to pre-register for a vaccine. However, if you have already pre-registered with the VDH website, no need to call, you are already in the system.
More on this story from our media partner, ABC 13 - WSET.