With much discussion and debate across our country right now, the American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidance to help schools create their own policies for school re-entry based on available science and evidence, while understanding that strategies will need to be flexible and easily adaptable in the environment of a rapidly changing pandemic.
There is much evidence on the importance of in-person learning for children along with emerging data on the negative impact school closures have had on kids. In addition, data shows that COVID-19 seems to affect children less severely than adults and children may be less likely to become infected and spread infection. All of these factors point many child health experts to advocate for resuming classroom instruction.
Of course, this doesn’t suggest school should resume no matter what. This means that along with proper health and safety measures to decrease transmission of COVID-19 and mitigate dangers, schools should be empowered to begin working on practical and feasible plans for their community and communicating plans to families who also need to plan for returning to work and childcare.
Schools will need incorporate guidelines based on what is feasible for their school and may include cohorting/keeping kids in smaller groups, physical distancing, frequent cleaning and hand washing, face covers and other practices depending on age.
Children in pre-kindergarten (preschool) should spend time outdoors when possible. Hand washing is especially important, because it may not be possible to keep them 3 to 6 feet apart. Adults should wear cloth face coverings.
Elementary students can wear cloth face coverings if they do not touch their mouth or nose. Desks can be 3-6 feet apart, and they should use outdoor spaces when possible.
Secondary school students should wear cloth face masks if they can't stay 6 feet from others. Desks can be 3-6 feet apart. Avoid close contact, go outdoors if possible and spread out during activities like singing and exercising.
There isn’t a one size fits all approach and we all need to keep working together for our community and our children.
Stay safe and healthy!