CDC: Schools should be ‘first to reopen when they can do so safely’

A new report from the CDC indicates in-person learning at schools may not make a big difference in COVID-19 numbers within a community.

According to the report, COVID-19 incidence among the general population in counties where K–12 schools offer in-person education was similar to that in counties offering only virtual/online learning.

Several school districts with routine surveillance of in-school cases report lower incidence among students than in the surrounding communities and a recent study found no increase in COVID-19 hospitalization rates associated with in-person education.

The CDC says preventing transmission of COVID-19 in schools depends on ‘adherence to mitigation strategies,’ such as wearing masks.

“When community transmission is high, cases in schools should be expected, and as with any group setting, schools can contribute to COVID-19 transmission, especially when mitigation measures, such as universal and proper masking, are not implemented or followed.”

The study points out that there are likely more cases among adolescents than we know, as younger people are less likely to experience symptoms.

The study suggests that it might be safer to reopen childcare facilities and elementary schools than it would be to open high schools.

“However, for schools to operate safely to accommodate in-person learning, communities should fully implement and strictly adhere to multiple mitigation strategies, especially universal and proper masking, to reduce COVID-19 incidence within the community as well as within schools to protect students, teachers, and staff members.”

Read the study here

Cox Media Group