CDC Expected To Ease School COVID Guidelines: What It Means In MD

Federal health authorities are expected to soon ease COVID-19 guidelines for schools in Maryland and nationwide, according to a new report.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could announce the changes in the coming days, CNN reported. The CDC is expected to ease guidelines that address screening for the virus, as well as social distancing recommendations.

Regular COVID-19 screening in schools will likely be de-emphasized and the new measures are expected to loosen quarantine guidelines for those exposed to the virus, according to a preview of the plan obtained by CNN. The agency also reportedly plans to de-emphasize the 6-foot social distancing rule.

Instead of consistent screenings in schools, the CDC will likely suggest that testing be based on COVID-19 community levels and on higher-risk settings, such as nursing homes and prisons. The proposed changes have been revealed to some educators and public health officials and haven't been finalized, as they are still being discussed, according to the report.

If enacted, the changes to COVID-19 guidelines are in line with Maryland school policies.