State officials are offering guidance to help students safely return to the classroom. During Wednesday’s COVID-19 briefing, Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Dr. Jennifer Sullivan pointed out some of the ways that schools can slow the spread of COVID-19.
“Space desks as far as possible facing in the same direction,”she said. “Cohort younger students into pods. Hand wash and disinfect frequently. Plan schedules so that a minimum number of students are close contacts. Do not conduct birthday parties or other events that put students in close contact. Isolate and send home any person who develops symptoms.”
If someone were to test positive anyone who spent more than 15 minutes within six feet of that person would have to quarantine at home for 14 days. If more than one person tests positive in a single classroom, the whole classroom would be sent home.
Another way to slow the spread is to try to limit children’s social groups, according to Indiana State Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver. “Many schools also choose to assign pods,” she explained. “The pods cohort students into small groups that may play together, sit together, eat together, and that further reduces the risk of transmission.”
Dr. Sullivan noted that schools are essential, not just for children’s education, but also for things like food security, safety, mental health, and social and emotional learning.
Governor Eric Holcomb said he respects the decision of schools that will start the year with virtual learning, but asked them to keep the impact on families in mind. “Some families will not have childcare or another location for their child to go to, to have a good learning environment. . . . Please consider opening your buildings and providing transportation for students who need a safe site to participate in their online learning while virtual learning is in session,” Holcomb said.
The governor said he won’t set a statewide start date for school to begin, but would leave that decision up to local leaders.
