Jul 9, 2021 - Health

CDC: Vaccinated teachers and students don't need to wear masks indoors

Jacob Knutson

Kindergartners at Maurice Sendak Elementary in North Hollywood, California, on April 13. — Kindergartners at Maurice Sendak Elementary in North Hollywood, Calif., on April 13. Photo: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Vaccinated teachers and students don't need to wear masks inside school buildings when classes resume this fall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in updated guidance on Friday.

Driving the news: The CDC urged schools to remain open and teachers and students to safely return to in-person learning. It recommended keeping prevention strategies in place to prevent future COVID-19 outbreaks in school settings, but stressed that in-person learning is a priority.

Details: The CDC said all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated should still wear masks indoors.

Students of all ages should continue to learn 3 feet apart, and schools should implement screening testing and promote handwashing, respiratory etiquette and staying home when sick, according to the new guidance.
If physical distancing can't be maintained, the health agency said classes should still be held with other precautions in place.
The CDC did not advocate for schools to require teachers or students to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Go deeper: The post-COVID stickiness of hybrid school

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CDC: Vaccinated teachers and students don't need to wear masks indoors

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