What are the recommendations for a safe return to school during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Recommendations for Safe Return to School During COVID-19 Pandemic

Schools should implement comprehensive safety measures including universal masking for students over age 2, maintaining physical distancing of at least 6 feet, frequent hand hygiene, and screening protocols to safely return to in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. 1

Core Prevention Strategies

Physical Distancing and Environmental Modifications

• Maintain 6 feet of physical distancing between individuals whenever possible 1
• Modify classroom layouts to maximize distance between students
• Implement methods to minimize time in waiting rooms (e.g., waiting in cars) 1
• Enable social distancing within hallways and common areas 1
• Consider alternative schedules or hybrid models to reduce classroom density 2

Universal Masking

• Require consistent mask wearing for all students over age 2, staff, and visitors 1
• Ensure proper mask fit covering both nose and mouth
• Provide education on correct mask usage
• Note that masking significantly reduces secondary transmission in school settings 3
• Be aware that wearing masks may create a false sense of security and potentially reduce social distancing behaviors 4

Screening and Testing Protocols

• Screen all students and staff for COVID-19 symptoms daily 1
• Implement regular testing programs, particularly asymptomatic screening in areas with high community transmission 2
• Create system awareness and flags identifying individuals with recent COVID-19 1
• Develop clear protocols for managing individuals who screen positive 1

Hygiene and Cleaning Practices

• Practice good hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand sanitizers 1
• Clean and decontaminate learning areas according to CDC guidelines 1
• Ensure adequate ventilation in all school spaces

Special Considerations

Mental Health Support

• Prioritize safe access to childcare and elementary schooling as these provide essential services beyond education 1
• Recognize that school routines are crucial for young people with mental health challenges 1
• Provide psychosocial support to vulnerable students exposed to various stressors 1
• Consider implementing online cognitive-behavioral therapy resources 1

High-Risk Populations

• Provide accommodations for students with special needs who may have difficulty adhering to prevention measures 1
• Implement additional protections for staff at higher risk due to age or underlying conditions
• Consider vaccination requirements for staff to reduce transmission risk 2

Community Transmission Considerations

• Monitor local pandemic statistics to guide decision-making 1
• Consider delaying reopening until at least 2 weeks after local peak of pandemic 1
• Prepare for potential return to remote learning if local data predicts another surge 1
• Elementary schools may open safely with moderate mitigation measures, while high schools require more intensive interventions 2

Implementation Guidance

Communication Strategy

• Develop effective communication strategies for safe practices 1
• Provide frequent, calm, fact-based information to alleviate fear among students and staff 1
• Clearly communicate that COVID-19 risk is low with appropriate safeguards 1
• Engage parents and community members in prevention efforts

Monitoring and Enforcement

• Create safety teams to monitor adherence to masking and distancing requirements 3
• Provide real-time education when improper masking or distancing is observed 3
• Restrict visitors and implement strict protocols for essential visitors 1

Pitfalls and Caveats

• Reopening without adequate safety measures may lead to increased community transmission
• Mask wearing may create a false sense of security, potentially reducing social distancing behaviors 4
• School closure has significant negative impacts on learning, socialization, food access, and mental health 1
• Different approaches may be needed for elementary versus high schools due to different transmission dynamics 2
• These recommendations were developed before the Delta variant became dominant, which may affect their efficacy 5

By implementing these comprehensive strategies, schools can significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission while providing essential educational and social services to students.