The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now say that teachers don’t need to get COVID-19 vaccines before schools can reopen safely.
Teacher unions across the country – including in places like Los Angeles and Chicago – have opposed the idea of teachers returning to the classroom without proper precautions, including vaccinations.
What are the details?
According to a Wednesday report from CNBC, newly appointed CDC director Rochelle Walensky says teachers do not need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before schools can reopen.
In statements at a COVID-19 press conference at the White House, Walensky said, “There is growing data to suggest that schools can reopen safely and that safe reopening does not suggest that teachers should be vaccinated. Teacher vaccinations are not a prerequisite for reopening.” schools. ”
She also explained that a CDC advisory committee placed teachers in the “1B” category – the same as essential workers – to receive vaccines, putting them second for priority in receiving the injections.
Jeffrey Zients, coordinator of President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 task force, echoed Walensky’s sentiments on Wednesday, stressing that the president is “very clear” about his position that he wants schools to “reopen and remain open.”
“That means every school has the equipment and the means to open it safely,” he said during the press briefing. “Not just private schools or schools in rich areas, but all schools.”
“Congress must do its part to ensure that we can safely reopen schools and keep them open,” he added, calling 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 good ventilation.
Biden has previously pledged to ensure that K-8 schools reopen for in-person instruction within his first 100 days in office.