The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued new recommendations for schools to help prevent transmission of COVID-19 their buildings in an effort to reduce disruptions to in-person learning as education reopens to pre-pandemic procedures. Spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells WSJM News these are recommendations so that schools can start up a new academic year more smoothly.
“One thing we’ve learned about this virus is there are quite a few things to learn about it, and so these have been put into place so that schools can begin to plan for their fall session.”
The recommendations are similar to measures taken last academic year when schools were in person.
“They can use various layers. The more they use, the better protection. We’re talking about vaccination, consistently using well-fitted masks that cover the nose and the mouth, cohorting children together to reduce potential exposure, and then COVID-19 screenings, testing, and contact tracing.”
Sutfin says there were plenty of outbreaks of COVID in schools last year, but many were traced to social activities. The state’s guidance is based on CDC recommendations, and also include a recommendation for all eligible students to be vaccinated. You can find the full guidance right here.
