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639 Operating Schools During COVID-19: CDC Guidelines
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Physical Barriers and Guides

The EOP should educate everyone and establish requirements for installing barriers and providing physical guides to control exposure to COVID-19 in all school facilities.

person wearing yellow shoes stands in a square that has been marked with tape on the floor
Provide physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signs on walls.
  • Install physical barriers, such as sneeze guards and partitions, particularly in areas where it is difficult for individuals to remain at least 6 feet apart (e.g., reception desks).
  • Provide physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signs on walls, to ensure that staff and children remain at least 6 feet apart in lines.

Communal Spaces

It's important that the EOP develop strategies and establish requirements for preventing and minimizing exposure to COVID-19 in communal spaces in schools.

  • Close communal use shared spaces such as dining halls and playgrounds with shared playground equipment if possible; otherwise, stagger use and clean and disinfect between use.
  • Add physical barriers, such as flexible plastic screens, between bathroom sinks, especially when they cannot be at least 6 feet apart.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-8. What should be installed in areas where it is impossible to maintain at least a 6-foot separation?