The Science Brief: Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in K-12 Schools

This Science Brief reviews the latest scientific evidence on COVID-19 among children and adolescents, in school settings, and about virus transmission, as well as other key considerations. Evidence shows that many K-12 schools that have strictly implemented mitigation strategies have been able to safely open for in-person instruction and remain open. Given the importance of key services schools offer and the benefits of in-person learning for students, it is critical for K-12 schools to open for in-person instruction, and stay open, as safely and as soon as possible. Schools should be the last settings to close due to COVID-19 and the first to reopen when they can do so safely. Working together, school leaders and community members can take actions to keep schools open for in-person learning by protecting students, teachers, and school staff where they live, work, learn, and play.