CDC Updates COVID-19 guidance for K-12 schools

Friday the CDC announced updates to its Operational Strategy for K-12 schools that included reduced physical distancing guidance in some classrooms to 3 feet of separation, given that masks are universally and properly worn.

Three studies published today in the agency’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report address the spread of COVID-19 in schools, and together the CDC says that the studies build on evidence that distancing of at least 3 feet between students can be safely adopted in the classroom settings where everyone is using a mask and there are other prevention measures in place.

The following are key changes to the CDC’s strategy on physical distancing:

• In elementary schools, CDC recommends all students remain at least 3 feet apart in classrooms where mask use is universal — regardless of whether community transmission is low, moderate, substantial, or high.
• In middle and high schools, CDC also recommends students should be at least 3 feet apart in classrooms where mask use is universal and in communities where transmission is low, moderate, or substantial.
• Middle school students and high school students should be at least 6 feet apart in communities where transmission is high, if cohorting is not possible. Cohorting is when groups of students are kept together with the same peers and staff throughout the school day to reduce the risk for spread throughout the school.  This recommendation is because COVID-19 transmission dynamics are different in older students – that is, they are more likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and spread it than younger children.

The updated guidance also clarified that ventilation is a component of strategies to clean and maintain healthy facilities, removed recommendation for physical barriers, clarified the role of community transmission levels in decision-making, and added guidance on interventions when clusters occur.

CDC continues to recommend at least 6 feet of distance:

• Between adults in the school building and between adults and students.
• In common areas, such as school lobbies and auditoriums.
• When masks can’t be worn, such as when eating.
• During activities when increased exhalation occurs, such as singing, shouting, band practice, sports, or exercise. These activities should be moved outdoors or to large, well-ventilated spaces whenever possible.
• In community settings outside of the classroom.

You can find the CDC’s more detailed information on the changes in the strategy at the link below.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/operation-strategy.html