Obviously education is looking different due to COVID-19. While some will continue to learn virtually, just as they ended the previous school year, others will be making the adjustment to in-person learning–with procedures in place to prevent the spread of the virus.

Health and safety continue to be at the forefront of discussions for those who will be physically going back to school. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other organizations have published guides to help ease the minds of parents, students, and teachers.

For some, in-person learning might require the use of face masks, increased hand washing or hand sanitizer use and social distancing. These are all simple ways for students and teachers to protect themselves and those around them from the virus. Moreover, while schools will provide necessary cleaning in classrooms, it’s important for students and teachers to ensure the areas and surfaces they use most frequently are disinfected. Common drinking fountains are no longer a good idea and schools should consider providing bottled water to kids for hydration.

Before sending children back to the classroom, parents should ensure their child is up to date with vaccines. While there is no immunization for COVID-19 yet, ensuring students are vaccinated for other illnesses can prevent the unnecessary spread of disease. Vaccines–including the flu shot–have been proven to be safe. Why not utilize modern science as it was intended?

These health and safety recommendations will ensure a safe start to in-person learning. For more information on reopening schools during the time of COVID-19, visit: