Governor Newsom: Schools can return to in person learning without all teachers receiving Covid-19 vaccine
Governor Newsom spoke about reopening schools for in person learning Wednesday in Oakland while opening a new mass vaccination site.
"We can safely reopen schools as we progress through a prioritization to our teachers of vaccinations," said Newsom.
Newsom's stance on the topic of teacher vaccinations is being met by resistance from teacher's unions around the state and locally, including the Desert Sands Teachers Association and the Coachella Valley Teachers Association.
Representatives for both groups tell News Channel 3 in person learning should only resume after all teachers have had the opportunity to receive vaccinations and after Covid-19 case numbers fall to acceptable levels.
"I think the Governor is caving to pressure from the community and especially the business world I think he is trying to make statements that will make everybody happy at the same time," said Trina Gonzales-Alesi, President of the Desert Sands Teachers Association.
"The number one thing we need to ensure is the safety of our employees our members," said Carissa Carrera, President of the Coachella Valley Teachers Association.
The Governor's statement Wednesday echoed a similar position announced earlier in the day by the head of the CDC.
"Vaccination of teachers is not a prerequisite for the safe reopening of schools," said CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky.
Meanwhile, News Channel 3 is told the three public school districts in the valley are making arrangements for teachers and staff to receive vaccinations.
Desert Sands Unified and Palm Springs Unified are in the process of setting up clinics with Desert Oasis Healthcare.
Coachella Valley Unified is working with "community health partners".
"Just as healthcare workers are getting the vaccine I think teachers should as well," said valley parent Daisy Rodas.
Governor Newsom is also asking the state legislature to authorize spending $6.6 billion to purchase PPE, ventilation systems and other safety supplies for schools.
