On Friday, August 21, 2020, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance for schools across the nation. The update adds more details to existing guidelines and are designed to provide more information regarding opening schools while limiting risk.

According to the updated guidelines, “The many benefits of in-person schooling should be weighed against the risks posed by Covid-19… which poses low risks to school-aged children – at least in areas with low community transmission.” However, the guidelines note that adults in schools who become infected will “mirror that of other adults in the community.” Regarding children, the guidelines state they are less likely than adults to have severe symptoms.

Schools are advised to develop methods for monitoring local Covid-19 data to track levels of transmission and to enhance their ability to make suitable decisions. Schools are also advised to work closely with local and public health officials if there is an infected person on school premises or conveyances.

The guidelines also advise that accommodations should be made to reduce risks for adults and students deemed to be at higher risk for severe illness. In fact, the revised guidelines have an entire section regarding how schools should accommodate children with disabilities or special health care needs, promoting an individualized approach to meet the needs of such students. Schools are also encouraged to offer remote counseling, insure the continuity of mental health services, and to inform and encourage those who may feel overwhelmed and want to harm themselves or others to call 911 and/or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK and/or the national distress hotline at (800) 985-5990.

Other highlights include:

• Increasing the frequency of routine cleaning and disinfection of facilities
•  Insuring that ventilation systems deliver clean air
• Opening windows and increasing outdoor air circulation in the school
• Stressing the need for hand hygiene, including washing hands appropriately and/or using hand sanitizer frequently
• The wearing of cloth face coverings and masks are an “important mitigation strateg[y]” and the use of masks is most important when students and adults are indoors as well as when the ability to social distance is compromised
• Clear face coverings may be preferable for teachers of young students and those instructing English language learners and students with disabilities when the ability to see the instructor’s mouth is deemed important
• Learning stations and activities should have fewer students per group and students, when possible, should be spaced at least six feet apart
• Cafeterias should refrain from offering self-serve food or drinks, meals should be individually plated or pre-packaged, food service items (e.g., trays and utensils) should be disposable, food and/or utensils should never be shared, and schools are encouraged to have children eat outdoors or in their classrooms
•  Touchless payment methods should be used if possible and hand sanitizer should be abundantly available, including near the checkout area
• Foot pedal and no-touch trash cans should be employed

For more information, access the revised CDC guidelines by clicking here or go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html