Understanding the New Covid-19
Guidelines in Schools
As we head back to school we are reminded of the obstacles that the Covid pandemic created for schools and their staff. Earlier this month the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed many of the Covid policies for the new school year. The nationwide blood donor seroprevalence survey estimates that 95% of the U.S. population ages 16 and older have developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. With this herd immunity and the availability of tests and treatments, the U.S. has seen a decreased risk of severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths. The CDC created a Covid-19 Community Level Guide to monitor local situations and provide levels of risk for all counties in the U.S., with considerations/recommendations for each level. This guide offers knowledge, assistance and recommendations, and protects the autonomy of each school and school district to determine the best course of action for their population.
Schools should balance the risk of COVID-19 with educational, social, and mental health outcomes when deciding which prevention strategies to put in place. Effective prevention strategies like staying up to date on vaccinations, staying home when sick, optimizing ventilation, hand washing and cleaning will protect children and school staff from all illnesses.
The CDC continues to recommend:
- In all schools, masks should be worn in school nurses’ offices and for individuals who have been exposed in the last 10 days.
- In schools where the community is at a high risk, everyone should where a mask consistently.
- Those who are immunocompromised should wear a mask in communities that are at medium or high risk.
Although the CDC no longer recommends routine screening for all students, screening students and staff at high-risk activities (like close-contact sports, band, choir, or theater) is still recommended. Students or staff that develop symptoms at school should wear a mask, be sent home and be encouraged to get tested. Recommendations for covid positive individuals include isolation (usually five days) but is dependent on the symptoms, individual and community risk level. Although Covid-19 isn’t going away, the understanding of the science and school's roles in prevention is continuing to evolve and it is important to stay up-to-date on new recommendations.
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