Colfax, Palouse elementary okay to return

COLFAX—Monday afternoon, Public Health Director Troy Henderson released an update that Whitman County Health Department now supports hybrid or in-person learning for elementary schools in Colfax and Palouse. Previously it had been recommended those elementary schools start in distance learning.

“Based on recent, current and projected COVID-19 activity, the Whitman County Health Department recommends distance learning for all Whitman County High Schools and Middle Schools. Although the County has recently seen a substantial increase in COVID-19 activity, it has been exclusive to the town of Pullman,” the press release states.

Jennings Elementary announced it will start the school year with students in the classroom after receiving the news Public Health Director Troy Henderson had changed his recommendation.

Superintendent Jerry Pugh sent a letter out to parents to inform them kindergarten through sixth grade will start classes Aug. 31.

The letter pointed out several new protocols that have been put in place, including mask wearing on buses and in the school building. Hand sanitizer will be available in all classrooms and students will be provided hygiene time to wash their hands often. High touch areas and restrooms will be cleaned throughout the day.

Another change in procedure is that public access to the school buildings will be restricted. Parents and guardians are asked to wear a mask and may enter by the office door to drop off items, fill out paperwork or pick up their child. They will not be allowed into the rest of the building at this time.

One thing that hasn’t changed is bus routes; buses will run normally with students required to wear masks.

When asked for comment, Palouse school officials were still unsure if the school’s reopening plan would change at all.

Public Health still recommends distance learning for Pullman elementary schools.

The announcement came after there were 69 new cases positive COVID tests reported Saturday and Sunday, at least one of which is in a Greek house congregate living situation.

According to Henderson, there is a “strong connection” between the cases. All were from Pullman and mostly young adults. Thirteen cases were in people in the 0-19 age range and the rest in the 20-39 age range.

On Tuesday, a new high was set with 49 new cases reported. All but one were in the the 0-19 or 20-39 age range.