LA County Students Walk Out To Protest 'Lenient' COVID-19 Protocols

REDONDO BEACH, CA — A group of students from Redondo Union High School walked out of the classroom this week to protest what they call "lenient COVID-19 protocols" amid a rising number of positive cases among students and staff in the omicron surge, a student told Patch.

"It was to protest lenient COVID-19 protocols, as there have been 442 student Covid cases and 33 staff cases in the last 14 days," RUHS senior Michael Lee-Chang said.

"That's about 15% of the 3174 students and staff on campus. Yet, the school or district refused to enforce stricter guidelines or shut down," Lee-Chang said.

RUHS Principal Anthony Bridi shared a message with students Wednesday afternoon, following the walkout.

“RUHS understands that students may be absent due to COVID-19 isolation or quarantine requirements. We, your teachers, counselors, and administration, are here to assist with any required absences. My ask is that you do your part while on campus by masking indoors and outdoors, and effectively communicating with staff and your peers of upcoming preparations for mid-term exams.”

Bridi encouraged students to reach out to staff for any questions or concerns.

Los Angeles County reported 40,452 new positive COVID tests and another 39 deaths associated with the coronavirus in its latest data, as the Omicron variant continues to spread across the county.

The 39 fatalities are the highest number of new deaths since Sept. 22.

- City News Service and Patch Editor Nicole Charky contributed to this report.