ABBOTT: TEXAS SCHOOLS WILL REOPEN IN THE FALL

  

Texas Governor Greg Abbott says he plans on Texas students returning to public schools in person this fall.

The governor told state lawmakers that—in his words, "It will be safe for Texas public school students, teachers, and staff to return to school campuses for in-person instruction this fall. But there will also be flexibility for families with health concerns so that their children can be educated remotely.”

When students return, a TEA spokesperson says school districts will not be required to mandate students wear masks or test them for COVID-19 symptoms.

The TEA is expected to release additional guidance for school districts next Tuesday. Abbott has long said his intention is for students to return in-person this fall, saying this week that there will "definitely be higher safety standards in place than when they opened last year."