Feb 18, 2021, 4:05 PM
(From The New York Times) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released on Friday its much-anticipated, updated guidance to help school leaders decide how to operate schools safely during the pandemic. The recommendations offer a few key changes to earlier language, including color-coded charts that divide schools' reopening options into four zones: blue, yellow, orange and red. Districts with low community spread of the coronavirus or moderate transmission are encouraged to consider reopening for full, in-person learning. At higher levels of community spread, all schools reduce attendance by having students come to class on different days or by having some groups of students learn virtually.
The document also said that vaccination, while important, should not be considered a prerequisite for reopening shuttered schools. Additionally, the 6-foot social distancing standard should be considered nonnegotiable for K-12 schools where transmission is substantial or high. The document does not distinguish between public and private schools, and the recommendations could be adopted by any school.
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