The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says teachers do not need to receive COVID-19 vaccines before schools can safely reopen.
Teachers ’unions across the country, including places like Los Angeles and Chicago, have rejected the idea of teachers returning to classrooms without proper precautions, including vaccines.
What are the details?
According to a CNBC report on Wednesday, newly appointed CDC principal Rochelle Walensky says teachers do not need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before schools can reopen.
Speaking during a COVID-19 White House press conference, Walensky said: “There is growing evidence to suggest that schools can reopen safely and that safe reopening does not suggest that teachers should be vaccinated. schools. ”
He also explained that a CDC advisory committee has placed “1B” category teachers (as well as essential workers) to receive vaccines, placing them second by priority to receive injections.
Jeffrey Zients, coordinator of President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 working group, echoed Walensky’s sentiments Wednesday, insisting the president is “very clear” about his position that he wants schools to “reopen and stay open.” .
“This means that all schools have the equipment and resources to open safely,” he said during the briefing. “Not just private schools or schools in rich areas, but all schools.”
“Congress must do its part to make sure we can safely reopen schools and keep them open,” he added, and called on Congress to approve Biden’s COVID-19 response plan.
Last week, the CDC said there is “little evidence” of widespread coronavirus transmission in schools as long as proper precautions are taken, such as masking, social distancing, sanitation, and proper ventilation.
Biden has previously pledged to ensure the reopening of K-8 schools for face-to-face instruction in their first 100 days in office.