US President Donald Trump has criticised California’s two largest school districts, calling it a “terrible decision” to keep classrooms closed in the upcoming term.

In an interview with CBS News, he said it was a mistake for school districts in Los Angeles and San Diego to provide only online education for the academic year beginning in August.

“I would tell parents and teachers that you should find yourself a new person, whoever’s in charge of that decision, because it’s a terrible decision,” Trump said.

“Because children and parents are dying from that trauma too. They’re dying because they can’t do what they’re doing. Mothers can’t go to work because all of a sudden they have to stay home and watch their child, and fathers.”

According to the California Department of Public Health, the state, which has seen a surge in cases – has recorded 36,508 cases as of 13 July.