From unvaccinated individuals wearing masks to ongoing measures like hand washing and distancing, the guidance seeks to help students, teachers, and administrators stay protected.
What the Guidance Says
The guidelines provide schools with ways to keep attendees safe and healthy. Among the suggestions given:
All unvaccinated individuals ages 2 and older should wear masks. Wearing masks consistently and correctly is critical. It’s important to be mindful of mask-wearing when indoors and in crowds.Unlike previous recommendations of 6 feet of socially distancing, schools should provide at least 3 feet of physical distance between students while in the classroom. If not possible, masks and other protective measures will be even more crucial.Earlier protective measures still prevail—wash hands, clean and disinfect surfaces, and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.Screening testing, contact tracing coupled with quarantine and isolation measures, and proper ventilation are important measures to implement.If you are sick, stay home. Get tested if needed.
A complete listing of the guidelines can be found on the CDC’s website. In light of the emerging Delta variant, measures to reduce transmission are critical. Educators and experts say that although vaccinations make conditions safer, it’s important to still remain vigilant. “Students and teachers can practice social distancing and treat the surroundings as if they are contaminated. Don’t make assumptions that just because a person is vaccinated, you can relax and lower your guard. Wash hands frequently. Inform others when you are not feeling well,” advises Trazette Byrd, a fourth-grade teacher at DuBois Integrity Academy.
It’s Time to Get Back
Studies have shown that remaining indoors and not having in-person contact has been devastating for children socially, causing a regression in social skills, loneliness, boredom, and frustration. A return to face-to-face schooling has become a necessity. “I think if kids don’t go back, then they’re going to regress even worse. They’re going to start having social anxiety, they won’t know how to deal with people face to face, they might get more addicted to social media and phones. And that in itself is a risk for future problems,” advises Kunjana Mavunda, MD, MPH, KIDZ Medical Services, pediatric pulmonologist and travel medicine specialist, and former medical director of epidemiology and disease control at the Miami-Dade Department of Health. Pandemic lockdowns have also plagued kids’ mental health, leading to struggles with depression and anxiety. “Our students need to be back in school. Kids need the socialization that school offers. I believe that socialization is a part of good mental health,” Byrd notes.
Areas to Watch
The school day consists of more than just time inside the classroom. Other aspects of the day may need particular care to maneuver them safely. Before arriving for class, many students ride the bus. Officials have to determine how students will be seated on the bus. Will they spread out to ensure distancing? Will additional buses and drivers be needed to give kids more space while riding? Mealtimes also have to be examined. Will students eat outside? Does eating inside mean eating in the cafeteria or in classrooms? Will lunch breaks be staggered? These decisions are up to the schools and are likely to depend upon their staff and availability. Dr. Mavunda also notes the importance of having enough school nurses on staff in case medical needs arise.
It Takes A Village
The CDC has provided encouraging information to get schools open this fall. But the success of in-person learning will boil down to implementation, and the cooperation of everyone involved. “Guidelines are guidelines. You have to see each situation, each school, as an individual school, and then apply those guidelines to your school to help your students and staff to keep as healthy as possible,” Dr. Mavunda concludes.
