Families across the country are gearing up to send their kids back to school this fall, following a year in which many attended virtually or on a hybrid schedule. But, while getting back in the classroom may feel like a step toward normalcy, we’re not yet completely finished with the pandemic.
COVID-19 still impacts school safety. Disease prevention may continue even as the threat of the novel coronavirus eases.
How COVID-19 Changed School Safety
When COVID-19 started spreading, school districts across the globe had to develop strategies to adapt to the threat, including developing virtual learning platforms. As a result, many parents chose to keep their children at home, opting for remote learning instead of in-person instruction.
Students who did attend in person had to abide by a new set of rules and guidelines designed to help curb the spread of a virus that could be present without any noticeable symptoms. For example, social distancing meant pushing desks farther apart and limiting movement between classrooms. Hand sanitizer, which had long been a mainstay in classrooms and school cafeterias, became even more prevalent. Meanwhile, everyone was getting used to wearing face masks and face shields.
Now that more kids are planning to return to classrooms for the 2021-2022 school year, you may wonder what to expect.
COVID-19 Protection for Teachers and Staff
Teachers and school staff bear substantial responsibility for helping reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and its variants.
Experts recommend that teachers:
- Now that vaccines are widely available for adults, it’s important that teachers protect themselves from severe illness and potentially help prevent the spread of the virus by getting immunized.
- Continue to take steps to disinfect surfaces in the classroom.
- Encourage frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers among staff and students.
- Keep windows open and use approved ventilation systems to help circulate air.
- Follow all guidelines issued by the CDC for the coming year.
COVID-19 Protection for Students
Parents of school-aged children should keep these considerations in mind.
Stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines.
Vaccines aren’t yet available for children younger than 12, but experts are working toward that goal. If you have questions or concerns about vaccinating your child for COVID-19, talk with your doctor. Consider taking an at-home over-the-counter Covid-19 test and get results within 5 minutes.
Be aware of guidance around face masks.
Many school districts lift face mask requirements, leaving families to decide whether or not their children should wear them.
When making this choice, it’s wise to evaluate risk factors for your whole household. If your child lives with or regularly is in contact with someone who is immunocompromised, for instance, it may make sense to encourage the continued wearing of a face mask, even if your school doesn’t require it.
Make thorough hand-washing the norm.
Parents should continue to encourage thorough hand-washing or the use of hand sanitizers. Practice at home, especially with very young children, to make sure they know how to clean their hands well.
If face masks, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and other personal protective equipment are on your child’s school supply list this fall, you can stock up on these supplies through Simply Medical. We make it easy with online ordering and delivery straight to your door.