Recommendations, Not Requirements
In simplifying the guidelines, some essential words were left out, making them seem like rules instead of suggestions.
For example, the CDC recommends that schools “teach and reinforce use of cloth face coverings,” while acknowledging that “face coverings may be challenging for students (especially younger students) to wear in all-day settings.”
The recommendation is that students and staff wear face masks “as feasible.” But the memes simply read: “Wear face masks if over the age of 2.”
Without the right context, that would send anyone into a frenzy!
Further guidelines in the memes include no shared spaces, physical barriers between sinks, no cafeteria food, canceled field trips, staggered arrival times, no switching of student groups or teachers, and no sharing of supplies.
But the actual CDC guidelines suggest limiting these activities, or pursuing alternatives “as possible.” They are recommendations—not requirements—to promote social distancing, which will look different for every school in every region.
The guidelines are meant to offer a variety of safety options for school administration to look to while navigating this new normal.
The CDC says the recommendations are “meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which schools must comply.”
Earlier this week, For Every Mom shared a glimpse into the harrowing new reality that is reopening schools amid the coronavirus pandemic. It’s a new world we’re living in friends. Take heart, we will make it through, together.
