The coronavirus positivity rate is still too high in Clark County to safely reopen schools, a public health official said Thursday during a School Board briefing.
According to Nevada Health Response, the cumulative test positivity rate in Clark County stands at 10.9%.
For schools to open and remain open, the spread of coronavirus in the community needs to slow, said Dr. Fermin Leguen, acting chief health officer at the Southern Nevada Health District.
The Clark County School District launched the school year with online classes only, scrapping an earlier plan to have children in the classroom for two days a week on a staggered schedule.
Between Sept. 13 and 17, a total of 85 children ages 5 to 17 tested positive for the virus in Clark County, Leguen said.
“That gives you an idea of what could happen if we decide to open the schools today,” Leguen said.
Although most children only develop mild symptoms from coronavirus, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows one in three children hospitalized with the coronavirus were admitted to intensive care.
“We have children who have died from coronavirus in Clark County,” Leguen said.
Superintendent Jesus Jara said there are no plans to reopen schools for live instruction, despite unspecified rumors of a reopening date next month.
“There have been a lot of rumors . . . We are not making any recommendation from my office to the board to open school Oct. 3 in any capacity,” Jara said.
Leguen said public health officials would continue to brief the School District on the virus and the number of children diagnosed with COVID-19. “That will help you make the decision what is the best time to reopen,” he said.