AAP urges in-person learning, masking in updated guidance on safe schools
Group of kids return to school during the pandemic.
Keeping masks on in school and urging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 are among
several coordinated interventions recommended in updated AAP interim guidance that strongly advocates for inperson learning during the 2021-’22 school year.
“Remote-learning highlighted inequities in education, was detrimental to the educational attainment of students
of all ages, and exacerbated the mental health crisis among children and adolescents,” according to the
guidance.
Given the evidence on low in-school transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2 with proper prevention measures and
the availability of effective vaccines for those ages 12 years and older, “the benefits of in-person school
outweigh the risks in almost all circumstances,” the guidance states.
Minor updates also were made to AAP guidance on camp attendance.
Pediatricians can refer to the guidance documents when counseling families and collaborating with local schools
and communities.
Back to class; wear a mask
