Gov. Inslee reduces distancing requirements for K-12 classrooms

OLYMPIA, Wash. — K-12 schools in Washington can reduce social distancing.

Governor Jay Inslee is cutting distancing requirements for K-12 classrooms in Washington from 6 feet to 3 feet as more schools in the state begin to open up.

At a news conference Thursday, Inslee said the new guidance was consistent with direction from federal health authorities and that, for now, schools had the option to maintain the 6-foot rule.

Inslee has for weeks been pushing to return students to the classroom, saying remote learning hasn’t worked for many children.