The new advice still calls for six feet between adults and students in communal areas, such as cafeterias and auditoriums. The six-foot rule remains in effect for the general public in indoor settings like grocery stores. The change to a three-foot requirement is crucial for schools, as adhering to the previous six-foot guideline prompted many institutions to opt for part-time or hybrid learning models to keep class sizes manageable. As reported by CNN, the three-foot rule may facilitate more full-time in-person schooling.
The CDC asserts that three feet of distance is safe when masks are worn and other preventive measures are adhered to. A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases highlighted that there was no noticeable difference in COVID-19 infection rates between Massachusetts schools that enforced three feet of distance versus those that maintained six feet, provided everyone wore masks.
During a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing, CDC Director Dr. Aaron Mitchell emphasized the urgency of updating the guidelines. “Indeed, because six feet has been such a challenge there, science has leaned in and there are now emerging studies on the question between three feet and six feet,” he stated in response to Senator Jane Edwards’ inquiries.
The updated guidance recommends keeping students and teachers in distinct groups and maintaining six feet of separation between these groups whenever feasible. For middle and high schools, where community transmission is typically higher, the CDC still advises maintaining six feet of distance unless cohorting is possible.
To maximize spacing in classrooms, the CDC suggests arranging desks to face the same direction and removing unnecessary furniture. On school buses, it’s recommended to seat one child per row and to skip rows when possible, along with opening windows for better ventilation. Adult staff and teachers should continue to observe a six-foot distance from one another and from students. The agency notes that transmission among staff is more frequent than between students and staff, or among students in schools.
As vaccinations among educators and school staff increase, and as long as mask-wearing continues, the return to in-person schooling should become more achievable for all.
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In summary, the CDC’s new guidelines recommend a reduction to three feet of physical distancing in schools, provided that masks are worn, which could facilitate fuller in-person learning. The six-foot rule still applies in certain settings and for adult interactions, highlighting the importance of maintaining safety measures as schools navigate these changes.