93-3-WMR Audio on Demand presents the Preston and Steve show podcast.

And now, Preston and Steve's news updates with Kathy Romano.

And today is Friday, July 17th. Good morning, Kathy.

Good morning in the news this morning. Pennsylvania state officials released updated guidance to safely reopening schools on Thursday. Some of the recommendations include requiring parents to do daily symptoms screenings and limit student interactions by staggering class times. But a day after the Philadelphia School District released its reopening plan, some teachers and public health care workers are speaking out and cautioning about

reopening in person. One teacher in the district says they're in poorly ventilated buildings and

dealing with asbestos and other health concerns and now COVID is being added to that.

Philadelphia school officials said a key to their reopening plan is the ability to quickly

shift between online learning in person and a combination of the two

when positive COVID-19 cases start affecting the schools.

Kathy, is there any chance that asbestos kills COVID?

I know, seriously.

That would be amazing.

Because honestly, that would be a win, right?

They wouldn't have to redo the schools.

That'd be such a win.

Right.

The plan outlines safety precautions like requiring staff and students to wear

masks, capping classrooms at 25 students and disinfecting high-touch surfaces every four hours to keep

everyone safe. This is what Philadelphia schools said. Some teachers say the plan is not feasible.

Health care professionals say the mask breaks that the children will get, such as lunchtime,

are going to pose a larger health risk.

The best practice recommendations for schools outlined by the Department of Health and Education include masks, must be worn by students and staff at school and on the bus.

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