On May 19 th , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its” interim guidance on how schools and other establishments can safely open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) “Considerations for Schools” specifically covers reopening schools and “ are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which schools must comply.”
In its guidelines for K-12 schools, the CDC recommended schools should only reopen after a sustained decrease in newly identified cases, and even then should implement enhanced social distancing measures – such as closing cafeterias, playgrounds and serving meals in classrooms instead. Once new cases reach nearly zero, schools could then move to relaxed distancing measures, such as staggering school drop-off times.
The CDC also advised wearing face coverings by staff in all steps of reopening schools. Older students should be encouraged to wear fabric face masks as well. The guidance also includes specific directions on issues like disinfecting surfaces, reducing students’ contact with peers, and promoting social distancing on school buses.
In regard to sports and other activities, the CDC promotes pursuing virtual group events, activities, field trips and student assemblies as well as exploring “ options to convene sporting events and participation in sports activities in ways that minimizes the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to players, families, coaches, and communities.”
In regard to sports and other activities, the CDC promotes pursuing virtual group events, activities, field trips and student assemblies as well as exploring “ options to convene sporting events and participation in sports activities in ways that minimizes the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to players, families, coaches, and communities.”
OSBA’s division of legal services will continue to monitor CDC and other health websites, and well as updates from the Ohio Departments of Education and Health, and pass that information along to schools. Please check the Legal Ledger blog and OSBA’s COVID-19 resources page frequently for updates
Posted by Van D. Keating on 5/21/2020