Guidelines for school reopening

Baylor College of Medicine today released guidelines that schools across the country can reference as they make important reopening decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Baylor has a history of working closely with math and science-focused schools in Houston and South Texas,” said Dr. Paul Klotman, president, CEO and executive dean of Baylor. “We feel strongly that we should share broadly our expert guidance on how and when to open schools safely in this time of pandemic.”

It is available on the website, and also is printable.

“This guide is designed to distill complex information into an approachable format to inform the planning and reopening process,” said Dr. Nancy Moreno, chair of the Department of Education Innovation and Technology at Baylor.  

The easy-to-follow recommendations cover the following topics:

•    Deciding when to reopen and planning and preparing for re-entry
•    Planning for physical distancing
•    Ongoing attention to facilities, including how to clean and disinfect
•    Health supplies in schools
•    Guidance on face coverings, classroom spacing and reducing interactions among students
•    Communications to students and families
•    Screening and testing students and teachers for COVID-19 symptoms
•    Exposure guidelines
•    Protocol for a positive COVID-19 case
•    Isolation and quarantine instructions

“We hope that these guidelines can help support the efforts of schools, school districts and local agencies to create healthy learning environments for students, staff and teachers,” Moreno said.

The guidelines can be found here.