IDPH, ISBE Update Coronavirus Mitigation Information
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Date PostedAugust 2, 2021
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CategoryCOVID-19
The Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education have issued an update on COVID-19 prevention in schools. The latest FAQ, dated August 2, is based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools. It updates the previous announcement and keeps the CDC’s guidance in effect in Illinois.
The August 2 FAQ “recommends universal indoor masking in K-12 schools for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status.”
Also included, IDPH and ISBE say “In addition to the health and safety reasons for following the CDC’s guidance, school districts that decide not to follow the CDC’s guidance should consult with their insurers regarding risk assumption and liability coverage. Insurers may be unwilling to cover liabilities created as a result of failure to adhere to public health guidance.”
The change is based on new information on the Delta variant of COVID-19 and is “meant to help K-12 school administrators and local health officials select appropriate, layered prevention strategies in order to keep in-person learning environments safe for students and staff during times of fluctuating transmission,” according to IDPH and ISBE.
The August 2 FAQ “recommends universal indoor masking in K-12 schools for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status.”
Also included, IDPH and ISBE say “In addition to the health and safety reasons for following the CDC’s guidance, school districts that decide not to follow the CDC’s guidance should consult with their insurers regarding risk assumption and liability coverage. Insurers may be unwilling to cover liabilities created as a result of failure to adhere to public health guidance.”
The change is based on new information on the Delta variant of COVID-19 and is “meant to help K-12 school administrators and local health officials select appropriate, layered prevention strategies in order to keep in-person learning environments safe for students and staff during times of fluctuating transmission,” according to IDPH and ISBE.
