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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.

National Resources

Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning

This CDC guide explains a list of different prevention strategies schools can utilize, as well as considerations for prevention strategies. This includes age of population, students with disabilities, people at high-risk, equity, availability of resources and more.

Learn More

COVID-19 Guidance for Safe Schools and Promotion of

In-Person Learning

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) outlines the harm of remote learning and the importance of in-person learning. They explain schools do not significantly increase community transmission, especially when guidance outlined by the WHO and CDC is followed. AAP gives evidence-based recommendations for COVID policies and special considerations for school health during the pandemic (including the digital divide, oral health and mental health of staff).

Learn More

Ending Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19: Interim Guidance

Here is a CDC guide to ending isolation depending on the individual and symptoms they have. This guide has recommendations for individuals who are asymptomatic, mild/moderate or severe symptoms, and individuals who are immunocompromised. 

Learn More
Grant Alerts

Growth Opportunities Grant Program | Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration

Funding to introduce and prepare justice-involved youth for the world of work through placement into paid work experiences. Learn more.

Deadline: October 5, 2022

Local Community Grant Program | Walmart Foundation

Funding to projects that benefit the community in areas including community and economic development, education, public safety, hunger relief and healthy eating, and more. Learn more.

Deadline: December 31, 2022

Cisco’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program | Cisco Foundation

Funding to identify, incubate, and develop innovative solutions that address a significant social problem (access to education or empowerment) with the most impact for economically underserved populations. Learn more.

Applicants Accepted Year Round

Please note that CHHCS does not administer funding opportunities. Please refer to each organization for additional direction and details.
Upcoming Meetings and Events

September 7, 2022 | 2:00-3:00pm ET

McKinney-Vento School Selection Rights for Homeless Children & Youth

National Center for Homeless Education

September 13, 2022 | 2:00-3:00pm ET

Supporting 21st Century Skills with a Whole-Child Focus

Panorama Education

September 15, 2022 | 6:00-7:30pm ET

The Collaboration Continuum: Connecting Across Fields to Prevent Suicide and Substance Misuse

The Pacific Southwest Technology Transfer Center Network

The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools (CHHCS) Weekly Insider is a web-enhanced newsletter that offers news alerts, grant announcements and general web site updates delivered directly to your email box on a weekly basis. The Center is located at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
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