Boston Halting School Reopening Plan Amid Coronavirus Spike

BOSTON — Boston Public Schools is pausing its reopening plan amid a coronavirus spike in the city, Mayor Marty Walsh announced Wednesday morning.

Children in K0, K1 and K2 will now begin hybrid learning no sooner than Oct. 22, a week later than initially laid out. It's still unknown when students in higher grades will begin hybrid learning.

"We believe that it's prudent at this time to pause the school reopening plan," Walsh said.

Walsh said public health data will be reevaluated between now and Oct. 22. The city on Wednesday reported a positive test rate of 4.1 percent for the previous week, the first time it's been over 4 since June. A positive test rate over 4 triggers an automatic school closure, according to an agreement with the Boston Teachers Union.

"This decision is based on the guidance of our public health experts and in consultation with state officials in public health and education," the mayor said. "It is consistent with our decision to prioritize our highest needs students in this plan."

School was fully remote Wednesday, but was reopening Thursday to continue hybrid learning for high-needs students.