Reopening leaves questions

As tough as it has been for groups to get together with the quarantine and 6-foot social distancing, some activities in town have been able to move forward with a modified schedule.

The Wasco Tigersharks Swimming Organization is now led by President Joaquin Castillo. He provided an update on the upcoming Tigersharks schedule.

"Practice begins July 6 and ends July 30," he said. "There are no swim meets this year, but we will be working with swimmers to improve their technique for the 2021 season, when (hopefully) we're able to get back to competitions."

He mentioned that only previous Tigersharks may attend this summer's practices because new swimmers need more one-on-one training and during this time, that does not allow for safe distancing.

Seeking activities where kids can burn off calories or energy, Wasco Recreation and Parks has been able to come through with numerous activities for kids in town.

"As we all are aware, guidelines and recommendations change every day, so this may change at any moment but as for now the pool will remain closed." Wasco Recreation and Parks District Manager Vickie Hight said.

She reminded everyone that playgrounds, restrooms, courts, youth sports and workout equipment remain closed to meet the guidelines of the Kern County health officer.

The department is looking into screening movies in the park and will provide dates and times when they become available.

"The park walking paths are open, we all need fresh air and exercise and Wasco Parks walking paths are great for that," Hight said. "Remember if you are in the parks, please practice social distancing, wearing of masks and washing your hands when you return home. Parks make life better!"

Probably the hardest hit this year have been the schools. Superintendent of the Wasco Union Elementary School District (WUESD) Kelly Richers said that summer school was held for Migrant and Special Ed.

"Schedules varied, and are still ongoing," he said. "What is required in an IEP (Individual Education Plan), speech, other help, was offered individually or in small groups as per the individual education plan wherever we got caught up enough to do it."

Richers said the district is still struggling to cover everyone because sometimes many were not able to be contacted.

"Migrant also had summer school," he said.

Richers also anticipates that school will start as stated previously on August 10; however, the district will be using social distancing, which means that only one-fourth of the school's total number of students will be attending school each day of the week. They will be continuing with virtual classroom instruction the remainder of the week.

Richers also said staff is working on a final preparation plan for the opening of school and that information will be forthcoming. "Unless we are shut down completely," he said.

The animal shelter has been closed since March 17. They are currently not taking in any animals nor adopting any out.

Within the past week as the numbers have been rising, businesses have placed signs requesting masks for anyone who enters an establishment.

This is most noticeable in grocery stores where the wearing of a mask is not enforced; however, most shoppers are donning them.

Also, at the Knights of Columbus fireworks booth in the Tropicana shopping center, volunteers all had on masks and extra masks were available for customers as well as hand sanitizer for all who arrived without a mask or wanted to clean their hands. The volunteers all maintained their safe distance from the customers.

"Wasco Rotary has not been meeting due to going dark in the summer months," incoming President Brad Maberry said. "Additional information will be forthcoming."