The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance that reduced the amount of distance recommended in classrooms from 6 feet to 3 feet.
New studies show that physical distancing of at least 3 feet is safe in classroom settings if mask use is universal and other prevention measures are taken, the CDC said.
Arizona's top health official, Dr. Cara Christ, welcomed the update.
“We think that this is encouraging and will allow our schools to even more comply with the CDC guidance and have children in school learning," she said.
In addition, Christ said the state has not seen a significant transmission of COVID-19 within Arizona classrooms.
The CDC says it’s safe for kids in grades K-12 to social distance by only three feet as long as they are wearing masks.
Arizona Public Health Association Executive Director Will Humble says the new rule is good for schools.
“If the evidence shows that you can safely put more kids in the classroom and not have to go with 6 feet but go with 3, that provides a big benefit for teachers because it allows them more flexibility," Humble said.
Humble says schools will need to stay vigilant about symptom checks.
