We are now in the new school year, almost 2 years since this pandemic hit and unfortunately not much has changed. Many counties in Massachusetts remain COVID hotspots (especially with the surge of the Delta variant) which continues to pose a threat to many students. Especially (but not limited to) the younger students who may struggle much more greatly with adhering to the strict guidelines. I’m asking that Governor Charlie Baker change the COVID guidelines to allow the schools to implement another remote option for parents. I realize this isn’t realistic for all students, but many of us have children in which are very young, very stressed out, and it’s been a chaotic and stressful start to the school year for students and teachers alike. Please, offer this option to those that are riddled with anxiety due to many of us parents and loved ones of these students who are immunocompromised and would otherwise not fare well if we were exposed. Please also keep in mind some of us parents and children have already been exposed and it’s not even been a week into the school year. Please keep us safe, stop the spread, and reduce transmission in our communities!