Don’t do it. That’s the message from The Essex County Education Association (ECEA), one of the state’s largest teachers’ unions, representing some 12,000 teachers, regarding opening schools. The ECEA released the letter Friday, sent to state and county officials, calling for all-remote learning in Essex County public schools.

The letter was written by ECEA president Anthony Rosamilia in collaboration with all local presidents in Essex County.

“The Essex County Education Association cannot, in good faith, support the reopening of public schools for in-person instruction in September. Simply put, despite the best of intentions and planning, the risk to the health and safety of our students and staff is too high,“ wrote Rosamilia.

Gov. Phil Murphy shared guidelines Friday that allow for all-remote learning for families uncomfortable sending their students to school.

1/2 Here is a letter that has been sent to the Interim Executive County Superintendent and the Essex County Legislatures in regards to the Reopening of Schools. This letter was written by our President @a_rosamilia in collaboration with all local presidents in Essex County. pic.twitter.com/a4ieNpBkDP

— ECEA (@ECEANJORG) July 24, 2020