LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – As schools get set to reopen after the Christmas and New Years’ break, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan Department of Education are sending a letter to superintendents urging schools to reinforce actions that they say “can help alleviate the risks associated with this COVID-19 pandemic — particularly in anticipation of the highly transmissible omicron variant.”
The two departments say implementing prevention measures will protect students, teachers and staff, and will help maintain in-person learning, and the guidance is intended to keep school buildings open and allow students and staff to return to school safely after winter break.
In a news release Thursday, the MDHHS said it continues to reinforce that vaccination remains the best public health measure to protect Michiganders from COVID-19. Children ages 5 and up are eligible to be vaccinated. Schools should encourage all who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose, and where possible host vaccine clinics to facilitate access for students, families, teachers and staff.
“Our priority has remained keeping students safe,” said MDHHS director Elizabeth Hertel. “Children ages 5 and older now can get vaccinated. In addition to vaccination, we strongly recommend universal masking for students, teachers and staff. We have the tools to keep Michiganders safe, and we must continue to use them.”
The MDHHS says it strongly recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors (age two and older), regardless of vaccination status.
MDHHS is also recommending regular testing in all school settings. They are offering rapid antigen testing to K-12 schools through the MI Safe Schools Testing Program.
Schools can also participate in the MI Backpack Program, which offers free at-home COVID-19 tests to students, their families, teachers, and school staff.
The health department also says large gatherings involving 100 or more people should be held using remote technology or postponed, if not essential. The MDHHS says those large gatherings would include events with large numbers of people from multiple households such as conferences or meetings, sporting events, and concerts.
