Key points
- Schools should avoid changing operational status (virtual, hybrid, or closure) as a routine infection prevention strategy.
- Local health authorities and community partners should coordinate any changes to school operational status.
- Consider the educational, social, and economic impacts of operational status changes on children and families.
Overview
Changes in school operational status (i.e., virtual, hybrid, closure) are not recommended as a routine infection prevention and control strategy. Changes to short-term virtual or closure status are not usually needed. Decisions to make these changes should consider the potential for educational, social, and economic impacts on children and families.
Schools should coordinate with local health authorities and other impacted community partners on changes in school operational status. Schools should work with local health authorities to stay open and provide safe, continuous, in-person learning to the greatest extent feasible for all students. Schools can use the layered prevention strategies contained in this guidance to help achieve this aim.