Infectious Diseases and Public Health

Subtopics

Distance Learning

In-Person Learning

Physical Spacing and Testing

Sanitation and Ventilation

Protect schools and communities during a public health crisis.

Schools must be prepared to respond to sudden infectious disease outbreaks and other public health concerns and emergencies. Sustaining safe in-person learning, ensuring proper hygiene, and managing daily operations are all important for keeping a safe and secure school environment amid a health crisis.

Schools are an important part of the infrastructure of communities. They provide safe and supportive learning environments for students that support social and emotional development, provide access to critical services, and improve life outcomes. Schools should work with local public health officials, consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy, to determine additional prevention strategies needed in their area by monitoring levels of community transmission and local vaccine coverage, and use of screening testing to detect cases in K-12 schools during public health emergencies.

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Featured Resources

These resources are a starting point for learning about infectious diseases and public health. Use these resources to help your school manage and respond to an infectious disease outbreak and promote safe public health.

Guidance

Return to School Roadmap

Department of Education, August 2021

A guide for K-12 school and communities for the 2021-2022 school year.

Guidance

Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Kindergarten (K)-12 Schools

Department of Health and Human Services, July 2021

This updated version of COVID-19 guidance for school administrators outlines strategies for K-12 schools to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain safe operations.

Filter Resources

All Infectious Diseases and Public Health Resources

The federal government identified additional resources that highlight strategies for school safety. Use these resources to learn more about infectious diseases and public health.

Guidance

Steps for Determining Close Contact and Quarantine in K–12 Schools

Department of Health and Human Services, February 2022

This guidance provides steps for determining COVID-19 close contact and quarantine in K-12 schools.

Guidance

2022: Staying In School In-Person

Department of Education, January 2022

This guidance from the Department of Education outlines four important COVID-19 mitigation strategies for schools to keep students and staff safe, healthy, and ready for in-person learning.

Guidance

Toolkit for Responding to COVID-19 Cases

Department of Health and Human Services, September 2021

As K-12 schools resume in-person learning, school administrators must be prepared to respond quickly when someone with COVID-19 has been in the school or at a school event. In these instances, case investigation and contact tracing serve as important strategies for reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.