Sununu orders schools to be open for inperson learning at least two days a week

LESSONS LEARNED: Gov. Sununu said students are suffering from feelings of isolation due to fully remote learning. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - Gov. Chris Sununu on Thursday announced that public schools across New Hampshire must be open for inperson learning at least two days sa week as of March 8.

Sununu said the step must be taken to ensure students' mental and physical health in the health experts have expressed concern about growing evidence that shows they can the homebound isolation can cause feeling of anxiety, even depression.

Most of the state's public school districts offer some inschool learning, but a few offer none, which is prompting the govenor to take action.

"It has to be at least a couple days a week to get some eyes on these kids. This will really benefit the children in so many ways," Sununu said during a Thursday press conference.

Sununu earlier gave schools the three options of having all inschool, all remote or a hybrid, which many schools embraced.

Now with the added health concerns of purely remote learning, all-remote option has been taken off the table.

The executive order detailing the requirement will be issued today.

Teachers unions in New Hampshire and across the country have fought orders to return to the classroom, saying they must be vaccinated first.

Today's executive order will now force their return without before getting the shot.