School Guidance

Latest Updates

With school back in session, protecting the health and safety of students and school staff is a top priority. Clay County Public Health Center is always in close communication with school district leaders and staff to help provide evidence-based guidance to make the school environment as safe as possible. 

Fall 2022 School Guidance

(updated 10/20/22)

February 25, 2021: CDC does not require wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs. Learn more

August 11: Via a virtual meeting with one hour of public comment, the Clay County Board of Health discussed, voted and approved the COVID-19 and On-Site Learning Guidance for Schools & Early Childcare Centers, with minor edits.

In summary, Clay County Public Health Center strongly recommends masks be worn by all personnel present in K-12 schools to protect in person learning as students return to full in person learning this fall.

The video recording of the Board meeting can be found here. 

August 2: The Clay County Board of Health met in person at the health center to discuss the COVID-19 and On-Site Learning Guidance for Schools & Early Childcare Centers. After over 2.5 hours of public commentary, the board tabled the vote in order to discuss certain points of the guidance with additional medical professionals.

June 10: Clay County Public Health Center shares updates regarding school guidance. See the Full Onsite Learning Guidance Update and the Interim Return-to-School & Early Childcare Guidance. Please inquire with your student's school district for how these updates may affect your child.

May 20: The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released updated guidance for schools.

May 13: Children ages 12 and older can now be vaccinated against COVID-19. Students and parents can find local options to get vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine on our Where to Get Vaccinated page.

March 3, 2021: Full Opening Guidance for Schools
After evaluation of several studies on in-school transmission of COVID-19, as well as evaluation of local in-school transmission data based on case investigations & contact tracing, school districts may consider returning to on site learning for 3, 4, or 5 days per week, provided in-school transmission rates remain low, community transmission remains below 100 new cases per 100,000 population over the course of 7 days, and schools are able to successfully implement active mitigation measures. CCPHC recognizes that each school district may have additional planning and/or safety requirements they choose to implement before expanding their current in-person learning schedule.