MDHHS releases back to school guidance

(LANSING, Mich.) In the next month, many kids and teachers will head back into classrooms. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has released updated guidance regarding COVID-19 and preventing the spread of the virus in schools. 

MDHHS says they have updated their recommendations based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

"We are committed to ensuring Michigan students and educators are safe in the classroom, including those who may not yet be vaccinated,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “MDHHS is issuing this guidance to help protect Michiganders of all ages."

The recommendations include, encouraging vaccinations for students and staff that are eligible. 

The MDHHS is also recommending everyone where a mask regardless of if they have received the vaccine or not. 

When it comes to school buses, everyone on board will have to wear one because of the CDC's mandate for universal masking on public transportation. 

It's also recommended that schools keep three feet of physical distance between students and improve their ventilation systems. 

If students or staff, are a close contact of anyone who has COVID-19, they're encouraged to get tested regardless of whether they have received the vaccine or not.