New CDC Guidelines Could Mean A Quicker Return To Classrooms

As more teachers get vaccinated, the CDC is easing some guidelines for schools. The new guidance, released Friday, shows that most schools can space desks just 3 feet apart instead of 6 feet as long as masks are in use. CBS explains, “The update could pave the way for more classes to return to in-person learning, as the Biden administration urges schools to reopen. For weeks, federal officials have acknowledged that some school districts would be unable to meet the guidelines laid out by the CDC in February despite an infusion of funds from the recently-passed American Rescue Plan.”

The new guidance still recommends 6 feet of distance for teachers and in common places outside the classrooms. That recommendation also stands for middle schools and high schools in places where there is still a high level of spread in the community.

The AP writes:

“In recent months, schools in some states have been disregarding the CDC guidelines, using 3 feet as their standard. Studies of what happened in some of them helped sway the agency, said Greta Massetti, who leads the CDC’s community interventions task force.”

The new report also finds that barriers around desks can be removed because evidence doesn’t show they are effective. The AP adds that this study also put a lot of weight on mental health:

While there is evidence of improved mental health and other benefits from in-person schooling, “we don’t really have the evidence that 6 feet is required in order to maintain low spread,” she said.

Also, younger children are less likely to get seriously ill from the coronavirus and don’t seem to spread it as much as adults do, and “that allows us that confidence that that 3 feet of physical distance is safe,” Massetti said.

Watch more from Good Morning America above.