Back to School Safety in 2024: Navigating COVID and Mpox Threats

As students and teachers head back to school this year, the threat of airborne infectious diseases like COVID-19 and mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) remains a significant concern. Unlike previous years, where many hoped that COVID-19 would become a seasonal virus like the flu, the reality is that it continues to circulate year-round, with no clear seasonal pattern. This year, both COVID-19 and mpox present challenges that schools must address to keep students, staff, and communities safe.

 

COVID-19: A Year-Round Threat

Despite the global health emergency officially ending, COVID-19 remains unpredictable. Data from Canada’s wastewater trends and U.S. emergency room visits show that COVID-19 test positivity and ER visits have steadily risen since spring, even though hospitalizations and deaths remain lower than in previous years. The persistence of new variants, such as JN.1, KP.2, and LB.1, has complicated the situation, allowing the virus to evade immunity from vaccines and prior infections, and raising the risk of reinfection.

 

The Emergence of Mpox as a Public Health Concern

At the same time, mpox has reemerged as a public health threat, with the World Health Organization declaring it a public health emergency of international concern. Children are particularly vulnerable, and as schools reopen, it’s essential to remain vigilant and take protective measures to reduce the risk of outbreaks within schools and communities. mpox spreads through close contact, including skin-to-skin, contaminated surfaces, and even airborne particles.

Additional Airborne Illnesses

While COVID-19 and mpox remain priority concerns, Commit to C.A.R.E.’s back to school tips are also effective against the airborne transmission of influenza, common colds, and Parvovirus B19. 

Creating a Safe School Environment

With both COVID-19 and mpox posing threats, schools must prioritize health and safety to prevent the spread of these viruses. The Commit to C.A.R.E. Healthier Workplaces and Schools eBook provides a comprehensive approach to mitigating the risks of airborne infectious diseases in educational settings. Let’s explore some key recommendations:

1. Improving Ventilation

Good ventilation is crucial to reducing airborne virus transmission. Outdated HVAC systems in schools often cannot efficiently filter or circulate fresh air, which can lead to the buildup of harmful airborne particles. Schools should:

• Ensure HVAC systems are properly maintained, with filters cleaned or replaced as needed.
• Maximize air circulation with in-room air cleaners with high Clean Air Delivery Rates (CADR) for removing particles similar in size to viruses.
• Use natural ventilation when possible by opening windows or doors to increase airflow.

By improving ventilation, schools can help reduce the concentration of airborne viruses, creating safer spaces for students and staff.

 

2. Physical Distancing and Masking

Crowded classrooms, hallways, and common areas are high-risk environments for transmitting infectious diseases. Schools should:

• Maintain physical distancing where possible, such as spacing desks 3 to 6 feet apart and encouraging one-way traffic through hallways.
• Use outdoor learning spaces or larger venues like auditoriums for classes.
• Encourage masking during periods of high virus transmission, especially when students or staff are in close proximity or interacting with vulnerable populations.

These measures help minimize close contact and reduce the risk of virus spread within schools.

3. Vaccination: The First Line of Defense

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness from both COVID-19 and mpox. Public health experts recommend that all students over six months of age receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to target the JN.1 variant and should be available in late September. Mpox vaccines should also be considered, particularly for those at higher risk of exposure.

In addition to providing vaccine clinics, schools should actively communicate the importance of vaccinations to parents and staff, ensuring high levels of participation.

4. Training and Communication

Clear communication is essential to maintaining a healthy school environment. Schools should provide regular updates on safety protocols, including hand hygiene, masking, and physical distancing, through newsletters, websites, and signage. Additionally, training for staff on recognizing symptoms and managing potential outbreaks can help reduce the spread of diseases within educational facilities.

5. Policies for Staying Home

It’s crucial to communicate to parents and staff that children or staff members should stay home when showing symptoms of illness, whether from COVID-19, mpox, or other respiratory viruses. Reminders should emphasize that staying home when sick prevents outbreaks and helps maintain a healthy learning environment.

Schools can minimize disruptions to academic progress by promoting virtual learning options for students who need to stay home due to illness.

As we move into the 2024-25 school year, COVID-19 and mpox present ongoing school challenges. By implementing a multi-layered approach that includes improved ventilation, physical distancing, masking, vaccination, and clear communication, schools can reduce the risks of outbreaks and ensure safer, healthier learning environments.

For more detailed recommendations on school safety and infectious disease prevention, download our full Healthier Workplaces and Schools eBook at Commit to C.A.R.E. and help keep your community safe this school year.