Uncertainty Lingers Around School Starts

Students are already showing positive COVID-19 results as kids are headed back to class.

Tonight -- we remain on the losing side of this battle -- as the return the classroom -- is upon us.

We go now to 44news reporter erran huber live in evansville.

He is following the fear of the first bell.

Some sobering comments - from top state leaders -- tonight--on both sides of the ohio.

As kids are heading back to school.

And we've just learned tonight--north of us-- an avon high school student--that's just outside indianapolis-- has tested positive for the virus.

Do i think we're in position now for schools to reopen the third week of august?

I'm watching the numbers very carefully this week.

If it were today, i would suggest that they delay.

We're still in a very uncertain area."

This as tonight-- governor beshear saying-- he's considering making another recommendation.

To push the start of school in the bluegrass--back even further.

Top medical experts across the tri-state-- also keeping a careful eye as the first schools begin opening their doors.

But parents-- struggling to decide--what the best learning options are for their kids--?i think for a lot of parents it just that emotional roller coaster... decision fatigue, we just really want to make the best choice for our kids?

--tonight we are learning --- medical experts may be limited when it comes to sharing word of covid-19 cases.

"there's a lot of interest in knowing about positive cases in schools.

But there are a number of issues at play as we are thinking about this.

First, many of these cases will involve minors, which requires us to look carefully about what data can be shared and how.

Secondly, unlike long term care, we have to navigate both hipaa and ferpa privacy rules.

I want to emphasize having a case of covid in a school should not be a cause of panic, or a reason to close.

It's a reason to take action to prevent an outbreak.

And on top of it--- for students who value athletics along with their studies -- the hoosier state's top doctor saying-- effectively--play at your own risk.

"we have certainly seen cases from these contact sports, from these teams of individuals getting infected, and that's to be expected.

I've said all along that i think this is a decision that will be made not only locally, at the community level with the schools, and the public health people in the community, but also with each family.

That being said, we will see more cases of covid with these contact sports, because you just cannot do wrestling and some of these other sports without being in each others' face."

Thursday will see more catholic schools in evansville-- bring their students back.

Live in evansville eh 44news as