"Back to School Jitters: COVID-19 Amplifies Anxiety"

As COVID-19 cases rise, anxiety is increasing among students, parents, and school administrators about the possibility of mask mandates or school closures. While some school districts have briefly suspended in-person classes due to surges in cases, most superintendents believe that mass closures or mask mandates are unlikely without national guidance. Schools now lack the comprehensive surveillance data available during the pandemic, relying on local data and making decisions in consultation with local health authorities and the community. With limited government actions, schools are focusing on existing COVID-19 mitigation tactics, such as emphasizing hygiene and ensuring infected individuals stay home. The decision-making process is challenging for school administrators as they balance the health needs of students and staff with potential blowback from politicized actions. Despite the difficulties, most superintendents prefer having local control over decision-making. The majority of school districts have already started the academic year, but new preventive treatments and updated COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to become available in the coming months.