LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Archdiocese of Louisville Catholic Schools will be open for in-person instruction come this August.

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz made the announcement yesterday in a letter sent to pastors, principals and presidents of the 48 Catholic PK-12 schools in seven counties of central Kentucky. Instruction will begin on the previously announced first day of school, which is on or around Aug. 12 for Jefferson County. 

Kurtz also outlined how the schools will adjust to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Thus the sound public health principles that we have been observing: social distancing, masks, diligent personal hygiene, health checks and clean facilities will all be part of this new reality,” he said. He also said Superintendent of Schools Leisa Schulz adjusted the school calendar to give schools greater flexibility for changes as needed.

Schulz and her staff in the Office of Catholic Schools worked with Catholic school presidents and principals, the Kentucky Department of Education and the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness on reopening plans. The Office of Catholic Schools will release guidelines for school administrator next week.

"Our guidelines are consistent with those released by the state of Kentucky. Because of the diversity in the size and facilities of our schools, the implementation of these guidelines may differ in various locations. School leaders will directly communicate details about their implementation plans to families," said Schulz. 

This announcement follows the release of Kentucky's "Healthy at School" plan after the pandemic abruptly shut down schools this March. The plan includes required facial coverings, social distancing and temperature checks.