the others rely on social distancing and masking. and in new york, as cases and hospitalizations increase, the city's new mayor insisted the only option for the nat only option for the nation's largest school district is keeping kids in the classroom. >> this is beyond deja vu. >> reporter: in philadelphia, nearly half of the public schools were forced to go virtual because of staff shortages due to the virus. that's where maya mcgeathey's kids are back home and learning online. >> yes, it is very frustrating. but for their safety and their well-being, i will be glad to do it. >> reporter: with omicron cases soaring and no real end in sight, schools across the country are faced with tough decisions on classroom safety for both students and staff. irika. >> sargent: and thanks to you, charlie de mar. today in las vegas, two american presidents and other democratic leaders were among those gathered to commemorate former senate leader harry reid. president biden led those eulogizing the former senate majority leader who died december 28 at age 82.