Ruby R. Tan MD  –   Grocery aisles are starting to show school lists and supplies, now with extra bins for hand sanitizers and (designer) masks.  Health clinics hustle for the completion of State Pre-participation Sport and School Physical Forms, now with a question #43: “Have you ever had a COVID-19 diagnosis?” These changes foretell uncustomary school times ahead and remind us of ways to keep students and faculty healthy. As my patients return to school this year, I remind them to S.H.I.E.L.D.— an acronym I created to summarize recent CDC back-to-school guidelines and benefit families with returning in-person students.

• Social distancing. To reduce COVID transmission, CDC recommends schools to keep students at least 3 feet apart while in classrooms with indoor masking for unvaccinated people.
• Hand washing for at least 20 seconds. Humming “Happy Birthday” song while lathering hands, back of your hands, between fingers and under nails is the best way to get rid of germs. Use at least 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer if unable to wash hands.
• Immunization. Vaccination remains a cornerstone for protection from COVID.
• Etiquette. Respiratory etiquette for these times conducts wearing masks correctly when indoors or when physical distancing cannot be maintained particularly by children ages 2 and older who are not fully vaccinated. Stay home when sick and follow quarantine and isolation guidance.
• Learning and following. Local health officials provide trustworthy guidance, as they constantly monitor community transmissions, outbreaks, screening, and vaccination coverage.
• Disinfection. By cleaning off layers of germs, you add layers of protection. Students and staff should have access to appropriate supplies for disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as computers, workspace, eating surfaces and restrooms.

After more than a year in this pandemic, we have learned that there is no room for complacency. We know to S.H.I.E.L.D. now. Let’s do this!