COVID update: Schools can safely reopen even if teachers are not vaccinated against coronavirus, CDC says

WASHINGTON – The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says schools can reopen safely even if teachers are not vaccinated against coronavirus.

As some teachers ‘unions are reluctant to resume personal instruction before teachers are inoculated, Dr Rochelle Walensky says: “Teachers’ vaccination is not a prerequisite for the safe reopening of schools.” Walensky cited data from the CDC showing that social distancing and wearing a mask significantly reduce the spread of the virus in schools.

Jeff Zients, White House COVID-19 coordinator, called on Congress to approve additional funding to ensure schools have the resources to support reopening.

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President Joe Biden has pledged to ensure that almost all K-8 schools will reopen for personal instruction during the first 100 days of his administration.

Teachers are prioritized as “essential workers” in the CDC’s vaccination plans, although many have not yet received doses, as the nation continues to face a shortage of vaccine supply.