The Latest: Trump urges states to consider opening schools

The Latest: Trump urges states to consider opening schools

SeattlePI.com

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The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

TOP OF THE HOUR:

— Trump urges states to consider opening schools before summer.

— Doubts about testing remain in spite of Trump’s assurances.

— Head of Japan’s medical association: Olympics difficult without vaccine.

— Airline to require all customers wear face covering while traveling.

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President Donald Trump says states should “seriously consider” reopening their public schools before the end of the academic year, even though dozens already have said it would be unsafe for students to return until the summer or fall.

Trump made the comments Monday in a call with governors discussing how to reopen their economies, among other topics.

None of the governors on the call responded to the suggestion, according to a recording obtained by The Associated Press.

Trump made the comments as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention worked to finalize guidelines for reopening the economy. For schools, that included putting students’ desks 6 feet apart, serving meals in the classroom instead of the cafeteria and closing playgrounds.

Reopening schools is considered key to getting the economy moving again. Without a safe place for their kids, many parents would have difficulty returning to work.

But some education officials say opening schools quickly would bring major risk and little reward, especially since the end of the school year is approaching.

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WASHINGTON — The White House released new guidelines aimed at answering criticism that America’s coronavirus testing has...

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