CDC Releases New Guidelines to Stop Viral Spread in Classrooms

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., on Aug. 25, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new, consolidated guidelines with evidence-based strategies to help prevent the spread of viral infections in schools.

The guidelines aim to increase school attendance and minimize classroom disruptions caused by illnesses.

The guidance outlines simple, everyday actions that school administrations and staff can take to control the spread of respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and norovirus, as well as bacterial illnesses such as strep throat, pink eye, and hand-foot-and-mouth disease.

Simple Steps to Stop Sick Days

These updated guidelines provide actionable steps for schools to prevent the spread of germs and ensure a safe environment, according to Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the CDC. “This update puts lessons learned into actionable steps schools can follow to keep our kids, teachers, and school staff safe,” she said in a press release.

The new guidelines cover common-sense strategies for germ prevention, such as teaching and reinforcing proper handwashing techniques and coughing etiquette.

The CDC encourages schools to take measures to improve indoor air quality by enhancing ventilation systems, especially during remodeling or construction projects. Also, the guidelines recommend cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting classrooms and other school areas regularly, as well as promoting vaccinations for students and staff.

New Strategies Urge Common Sense

The CDC has also outlined strategies for when children or staff get sick, aiming to curb the spread of infectious diseases.

According to the guidelines, children and staff must stay home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

• Fever accompanied by a rash
• Vomiting more than twice in the last 24 hours
• Diarrhea that is causing accidents or is bloody
• More than two irregular bowel movements in 24 hours
• Draining skin sores that cannot be covered
• Worsening respiratory symptoms unexplained by other causes like seasonal allergies

Sick people should stay home, and clear guidelines should be established for their return, which should include, according to the CDC:

• They have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
• Uncovered skin sores are crusted over, and the child is under treatment.
• Vomiting has stopped for at least overnight, and they can keep food/liquids down.
• Diarrhea has improved, with no more than two abnormal bowel movements in 24 hours.
• Respiratory symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours.
• School staff caring for sick children should wear personal protective equipment like masks.
• Additional measures include implementing masking policies, increasing physical distancing, and conducting illness screening or testing.

The CDC encourages schools and districts to provide flexible, non-punitive paid sick leave for staff, and avoid incentivizing perfect attendance, which could encourage sick individuals to attend school. Support should also be provided for students learning from home while ill, according to the guidelines.

These new guidelines come after more than 100 children died from the flu during the 2023-2024 flu season, with nearly 90 percent of the deceased being unvaccinated, according to the CDC.