Fall 2021: Getting Students Back to School Safely

As California schools plan to reopen this fall, many are concerned about how to best protect the health and safety of students and their families. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers in-person learning a high priority for children's healthy development and well-being. However, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is more important than ever to implement practices that support learning and community health.

In Los Angeles County, a mandate to again require masking indoors, regardless of vaccination status, was issued in mid-July. Shortly after, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that all staff and students over age 2 wear masks indoors to prevent community transmission unless a medical or developmental condition prevents their use. The agency also advised that schools should use layers of protection – such as physical distancing, COVID-19 testing, ventilation, cleaning, and disinfecting – to make in-person learning as safe as possible.

“Getting vaccinated and following the recommended protocols to reduce community transmission of COVID-19 is the best way for parents to protect the health and safety of the entire family.”

--Dr. Vishaal Buch, Medical Director at SFCHC

Many school districts in California, including the L.A. Unified School District, now require that all teachers and educational support staff be vaccinated for COVID-19. However, since only children age 12 and over are eligible for the vaccine in the U.S., a large portion of the population in K-12 schools will return to campus unprotected from the virus. So what can parents do to protect their children’s safety?

“Getting vaccinated and following the recommended protocols to reduce community transmission of COVID-19 is the best way for parents to protect the health and safety of the entire family,” advises Dr. Vishaal Buch, Medical Director at San Fernando Community Health Center (SFCHC). “Since children are most likely to become infected from adult family members, all people eligible for the vaccine should get inoculated as soon as possible to prevent outbreaks among school-aged children.”

As federal and local guidance evolves, parents should continue checking with their local school districts for current updates. For example, in accordance with recent guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, LAUSD is requiring both vaccinated and unvaccinated students and employees to participate in baseline and ongoing weekly COVID-19 testing to create a safer environment for in-person instruction.

August Update: Check with your child's school. The city of San Fernando and other Valley public schools are requiring a negative COVID test - for staff and students - prior to return to campus.

Here are some important questions and answers provided by SFCHC health experts:

Is it safe for my child to return to the classroom?

Amid rapidly increasing new cases of coronavirus and concerns about the Delta variant, the California Department of Public Health has issued updated COVID-19 school guidance to ensure all students have access to safe and full in-person instruction. These strategies include vaccines, mask-wearing, ventilation, handwashing, and cleaning. In addition, to reduce COVID-19 rates in the community, the state now recommends:

• Vaccination for all eligible individuals 12 and older
• Universal masking indoors at K-12 schools
• Optional masking outdoors at K-12 schools
• Access to free COVID-19 testing programs

In addition to emphasizing the effectiveness of wearing masks, the updated guidance considers new information about COVID-19 variants and the potentially harmful effects on students if schools only required unvaccinated students to wear masks, such as stigma, bullying, or isolation.

Will my child need to wear a mask?

To reduce COVID-19 rates in the community, the California Department of Public Health recommends universal masking indoors and optional masking outdoors at K-12 schools. Updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. Based on local conditions, many schools may be required or opt to implement universal masking for children to attend safe, in-person classes.

Will there be a coronavirus vaccine for children under 12?

Clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine for children are well underway, and health experts say authorization for persons under age 12 could come this winter.

What else can my family do to prepare for in-person learning?  

• Ensure children are up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations, including for flu. Immunizations are key to health and safety for the entire community.
• Encourage and model healthy practices at home, and talk to children about changes to expect this school year. For example, students should be prepared to wear a mask properly, wash and sanitize their hands more often, keep physical distance from others and avoid sharing objects. They should also know the importance of telling an adult if they are not feeling well.
• Plan ahead for how to handle possible school closures or periods of quarantine, especially in communities where COVID-19 transmission is increasing. Families should make sure they understand school procedures when a positive case or COVID exposure is identified.
• Be aware that the pandemic has caused many children to experience social isolation, family stress, and other mental health impacts. Children should be encouraged to share their feelings openly. They may also benefit from receiving counseling or participating in peer support groups.

Where can I find additional resources?

If you have concerns about your child's safety returning to school, now is the time to reconnect with or establish care with a primary health physician. For children, visiting the pediatrician involves more than immunizations and physical health. It is also about finding ways to promote mental health and social-emotional well-being. If you do not have a primary doctor, finding a medical home that best meets your family’s needs is important.

Serving patients throughout the San Fernando Valley, the San Fernando Community Health Center (SFCHC) has been a trusted, patient-centered medical home for the community since 1924. Its designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center allows it to provide state-of-the-art health care services, prevention, and education regardless of income or ability to pay. For more information, visit our main website http://www.sfchealthcenter.org/

For updated guidance on keeping children safe in the classroom, please visit:

CDC Checklists for Going Back to School

AAP Guidance for Schools

County of Los Angeles Public Health Orders

Author

Stacy Geere PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING CONSULTANT - Stacy T. Geere is founder and principal of The Geere Group, a full-service public relations and marketing consulting firm. She has over three decades of diverse experience working with clients in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Stacy has supported high-profile projects in relation to healthcare, environmental sustainability, water and energy conservation, transportation, land use development and other complex issues. Her work has earned both local and national recognition. Stacy has a passion for volunteering her time and leadership to philanthropic causes and is a published book author. www.thegeeregroup.com