Schools Starting Online Classes, But Health Officials A Return To In-Person Teaching Needs To Happen Soon

School is getting back into session for the fall semester for both college and grade schools. However, in-person instruction is not in play as of yet, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. John Mougin, Chief Quality Officer with Northern Arizona Healthcare says a return to the classroom would be a good thing for students. He says, “I understand the concerns and fears of kids going back to school, but on the other hand I think it’s a bridge we are going to have to cross at some point and we are going to have to cross it in a safe and responsible manner.” In regards to the Flagstaff Unified School District’s plan and safety, Mougin says “I think every effort is being made” to return to in-person instruction safely when the time comes. In regards to NAU, he says they have partnered with the university to make a return to the classroom as safe as possible. He credits NAU for following CDC guidelines, for being a part of the testing surge and other guidelines the school has in place for making attending classes on campus safe. NAU began online classes Wednesday, with in-person classes starting August 31st. FUSD will begin classes online Monday, with a possible return to in-person class on October 12th.