Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

June 2, 2020

The Urgency and Challenge of Opening K-12 Schools in the Fall of 2020

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  • Sharfstein et al. argue that reopening of schools in autumn 2020 is an urgent national priority because of loss of access to meals and health services, disparities in internet access, and impacts on academic growth.  
  • The authors recommend establishing robust testing, contact tracing and isolation protocols, limiting close contact activities, prioritizing high–risk children, and preparing a strong public health and environmental response. They emphasize that school systems should be flexible to the needs of high-risk students and teachers. 

Sharfstein and Morphew. (June 1, 2020). The Urgency and Challenge of Opening K-12 Schools in the Fall of 2020. JAMA. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.10175