A new Harvard study suggests that sitting kids closer in the classroom doesn't spread COVID-19 any faster.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering reducing the distance in classrooms from 6 feet to 3 feet following the findings from the study. Students and staff members in the study wore masks.
"We are taking all of those data carefully and revisiting our guidances in that context," says CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.
Lowering the distance between kids could allow for more students in the classroom. Making these changes was a topic of debate at a meeting in the Copiague School District Monday night.
Lowering the distance between kids could allow for more students in the classroom. Making these changes was a topic of debate at a meeting in the Copiague School District Monday night. Parents in that district are pushing for kids to go back full time.
Keisha Strickland, of Bay Shore, says school is very tricky. She understands parents want their kids back in school, but she says you don't know who is carrying the virus.
News 12 viewers weighed in on Facebook about the possible change. One viewer says it's a step in the right direction, adding that next the masks should come off for children. Another viewer says it's disgraceful and sees it as playing games with education.
Dr. Frederick Davis, of Northwell Health, says schools should wait until more adults are vaccinated before making the change. Davis says kids usually don't get as severe a disease and sometimes are asymptomatic, but they can still bring it home and spread it to family members.
The CDC has not given a date for a possible decision, but the World Health Organization has already recommended three feet as a safe distance.