The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its physical distancing guidelines for children in school from 6 feet to 3 feet.
The CDC previously said schools should try to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between children, but in light of new data, the agency is now recommending most students maintain at least 3 feet of distance, reported CNN.
The agency is releasing three new studies on Friday that it says support distancing of 3 feet between students, as long as everyone is wearing a mask and other prevention measures are in place.
Another study recently published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases found there was no difference in Covid-19 rates between Massachusetts schools that mandated 3 feet of physical distance compared to 6 feet, as long as everyone wore masks, reported CNN.
CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Thursday that the issue is urgent.
“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,” Walensky told Sen. Susan Collins during a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
The agency recommends keeping student and teachers in distinct groups, or cohorts, throughout the day and maintaining 6 feet of distance between those groups, when possible. In middle schools and high schools where community transmission is high, CDC advises students to stay 6 feet apart, if cohorting is not possible.
CDC also recommends 6 feet of distance in common areas, like lobbies and auditoriums, and during activities like singing, shouting, band or sport practices. They say it’s better to move those kinds of activities, where increased exhalation occurs, outdoors or to well-ventilated spaces.
When it comes to adults, including teachers and staff, the agency says its better to stick to 6 feet of distance, both with other adults and with children.
“Several studies have found that transmission between staff is more common than transmission between students and staff, and among students, in schools,” the agency notes.
CDC advises limiting interaction among teachers and staff during meetings and breaks.