On May 14, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a set of documents designed to provide guidance on how schools and child care centers could begin the process of reopening in the face of the coronavirus. The CDC recommends that all workplaces hold off on reopening unless they are ready to protect employees at higher risk for severe illness, including those 65 and older and people of all ages with underlying medical conditions. It also recommends intense cleaning and sanitizing procedures, hand-washing, wearing a cloth face covering, and social distancing. The documents also advise employers to encourage workers to stay home if they feel sick.

CDC also recommends that schools and child care centers  should not reopen unless they are able to implement coronavirus screening protocols, evaluating employees and children daily for symptoms and potential past exposures to COVID-19.

The CDC also asks to first and foremost consider whether adherence with the agency’s reopening guidelines is consistent with state and local stay-at-home orders.

To access CDC recommendations for reopening schools click here.

To access CDC recommendations for reopening child care centers click here.