CDC director says schools can reopen without teachers getting vaccinated
CDC director, dr. Rochelle Walensky, said that although teachers fall into the category of essential workers under the agency’s vaccination plans, it is not a prerequisite for the safe reopening of schools.
WASHINGTON – The director of the CDC says that schools can reopen safely, even if teachers are not vaccinated for the coronavirus.
RELATED: New Study Confirms UK Delay with Second Dose of AstraZeneca Vaccine
Since some unions of teachers do not succeed in resuming personal education before teachers are vaccinated, says dr. Rochelle Walensky: “Vaccination of teachers is not a prerequisite for safe reopening of schools.” Walensky cited CDC data showing that social spread and wearing a mask significantly reduces the spread of the virus in the school environment.
White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients called on Congress to pass on additional funds to ensure schools have the necessary resources to support the reopening.
President Joe Biden has vowed to ensure that nearly all K-8 schools will reopen to personal tutoring within the first 100 days of its administration.
Teachers are being prescribed as “essential workers” under the CDC’s vaccination plans, although many have not yet received any doses as the country still has a vaccine shortage.