ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The CDC is relaxing social distancing guidelines for schools, which could allow more students in the classroom.
As the days start to become nicer outside, people are hoping for more normalcy.
“I think we’re all suffering a little bit from not being able to connect the way we normally do,” Jennifer Nieves, a parent with children in the Rochester City School District said. "So I think that we could all use a little bit more connection, just to remember that we need each other.
The mother is feeling hopeful following new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“It tells me that we’re not out of the woods, but things are getting better,” said Nieves.
The CDC is now relaxing the social distancing guidelines from six feet to three feet.
Elementary school students can be three feet apart regardless of the positivity rate in the community, but middle and high school students must be six feet apart if the local transmission rate is still high.
“We’re still reviewing what the guidelines are and what the implications are for our district," Marisol Ramos-Lopez, chief of communications and government relations for the Rochester City School District, said. “And we’re waiting to hear from the state and the [Monroe] County Department of Health on what the regulations are going to be on their end.”
While the Rochester City School District is waiting on next steps from government leaders, the head of the Rochester Teachers Association is hesitant about any changes.
“I know that the Rochester City School District is having trouble handling even this six feet apart. I would be really surprised if they were ready to transition to three feet, at least not this year,” said Adam Urbanski, president of the Rochester Teachers Association.
The three-feet social distancing guidelines do not apply to adults, teacher interactions with students, singing, cheering, or students in the cafeteria.
Six feet would still be required. While there will likely be some hurdles between the teachers union and school district, Nieves says it’s time for students to be back in the classroom.
“As a parent, I was reluctant at first to send my kids back,” she said. “But I just sent my daughter back three weeks ago to go hybrid, and I will tell you that I feel safe with her there. The way that they mask and clean, I feel that our kids can do this. And I see a change in her overall well-being, that is just so different, because she gets to go and be in-person and learn.”
Nieves added that if the CDC says three feet is okay, she’s all for it.
“I think it’s important to start to do the things that we are able to, to start to open up just a little bit so that our kids can start to feel more normal,” she said.
The parent of two understands the concerns and believes safety precautions are still needed.
“We’re not out of the woods,” said Nieves. “But I think if we take little steps here and there, and see if they work before taking giant leaps, I think we’ll get there.”