A recent analysis by The New York Times of the CDC’s recommendations for reopening elementary schools indicates that a mere 4% of U.S. counties satisfy the agency’s criteria for safely resuming in-person learning. Despite efforts by the CDC and various states to bring students back to classrooms, the reality remains that only a small fraction of children live in areas where schools can fully reopen.
The CDC has set forth specific guidelines, which suggest that for schools to transition to full-time in-person learning, counties must report fewer than 50 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents each week, along with a positivity rate below 8%. The Times noted that as of late last week, only about one-sixth of the nation’s counties met these criteria, predominantly found in less populated regions. These guidelines apply primarily to elementary schools, while many middle and high schools across the country still qualify only for remote learning.
In contrast, some states, like Florida, have continued to operate schools with few restrictions throughout the pandemic. If these states were to follow the CDC’s guidelines, only three counties in Florida would be eligible for full in-person classes.
Interestingly, a CDC spokesperson mentioned that these are merely “recommendations” and should not be the sole reason for keeping schools closed, leaving many to question the actual purpose of such guidelines. This approach reflects a broader trend of Americans being hesitant about government mandates, which may explain why the CDC offers these science-based recommendations while simultaneously acknowledging that many will act independently.
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- What are the guidelines for reopening schools?
- How to safely return to in-person learning?
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In summary, a strikingly low percentage of U.S. children are in counties that meet the CDC’s criteria for fully reopening schools. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of current guidelines and the real actions being taken at the state level to prioritize children’s education.