New Centers for Disease Control guidance for higher education institutions says campuses should encourage remote work for as many faculty and staff as possible, and where feasible, conduct virtual learning and hold staggered classes to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus which has caused the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The more an individual interacts with others, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread,” says the CDC guidance.
Issued Tuesday, the guidance also says that colleges should close or stagger the use of shared spaces such as dining halls, lounges and game rooms; install physical barriers, such as sneeze guards and partitions, particularly in areas where it is difficult for individuals to remain at least six feet apart; switch to grab-and-go food service in disposable containers; ensure adequate distance between individuals engaged in experiential learning opportunities; and provide six feet of space between seating/desks in classrooms and lecture halls.
In addition, the CDC provides a host of sanitation guidelines and urges campuses to recommend and reinforce the use of cloth face coverings among students, faculty and staff. Institutions should encourage students, faculty and staff who use mass transit to consider alternate means of transport, the CDC guidance says.
