Chicago has canceled school for today after the Chicago Teachers Union voted Tuesday night for classes to go remote due to the surge in COVID-19 cases. In a statement, the union said, “This decision was made with a heavy heart and a singular focus on student and community safety.” This comes as schools across the nation are grappling with how to keep students and teachers safe as the Omicron variant rapidly spreads. In suburban Chicago, one district had to close five schools Tuesday because more than 500 teachers and staff were out sick. In Florida, thousands of teachers have called out sick as COVID cases skyrocket in the Miami area. On Tuesday, President Biden reiterated his support for keeping schools open during the COVID surge.

President Joe Biden: “We know that our kids can be safe when in school, by the way. That’s why I believe schools should remain open.”