Back to school in the fall? You’ll need face coverings and social distancing, CDC says

After learning moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic, schools and universities are looking ahead to whether they’ll reopen in the fall.

On Tuesday, Boston College announced it plans to have students back in classes on campus by Aug. 31, WCVB reported.

Notre Dame University in Indiana is also aiming for in-person classes to resume in August along with the University of Kentucky’s Lexington campus, according to WDRB.

In California, most public school districts are planning to reopen on their originally scheduled start dates in August and September, employing a mix of online and in-person classes, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Kansas schools are also anticipating in-person August start dates, KWCH reported.

“There are too many students who cannot grow socially and emotionally if they are not in the building,” Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson said, according to the outlet.

While some administrators are anxious for students to get back into traditional learning environments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a number of guidelines for schools planning to reopen come fall.

Face coverings

When schools reopen, the CDC recommends that teachers and students wear cloth face coverings, especially at times when social distancing isn’t possible.

Children under the age of 2 and those who have trouble breathing should be exempt, the CDC says.

Schools should also provide students, staff and families with information on how to properly wear, remove and wash face coverings, according to the agency.

Social distancing

Desks and chairs should be placed at least six feet apart to help promote social distancing, the CDC says. Desks should all face the same direction.

Students should also avoid sharing supplies, keeping their belongings separated from others in labeled cubbies or containers, according to the agency.

For school-owned equipment (like art supplies) teachers are encouraged to ensure there is enough for each student to be assigned their own, the CDC says.

Flexible absence and time-off policies

To help ensure students and school staff members stay home when they’re ill or not feeling well, the CDC recommends implementing flexible leave and excused absence policies.

The agency says policies should “not punish people for taking time off, and should allow sick employees to stay home and away from co-workers.” Leave policies should also cover workers who need to stay home with sick family members or children who are home due to school closures.

Schools are also recommended to develop procedures for students and staff who return to school after having been ill with COVID-19, the CDC says.

Signage

Schools should place signs in high traffic areas to promote social distancing and other hygiene practices such as proper hand washing.

The agency also says schools should place markers on the floor to ensure students and staff stay at least six feet away from each other, especially when students are in lines.

Bring lunch from home

The CDC recommends avoiding communal lunch areas, opting instead for students to bring their lunches from home.

If school lunch must be served, it should not be done buffet-style or in the lunchroom, according to the agency. The CDC recommends student be served in their classrooms.

Schools and students who bring their lunch from home should also opt for disposable dishware, the CDC says.

Smaller groups

If possible, the CDC recommends keeping students and staff in smaller groups with a staff member designated specifically for that cohort. Mixing groups should be limited, the agency said.

Schools should also consider staggering pickup and drop off times to limit direct contact between students and other parents, the CDC says.

You can read the full list of guidelines here.

This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 1:10 PM with the headline "Back to school in the fall? You’ll need face coverings and social distancing, CDC says."