CDC Relaxes School Distancing As FL Tops 2M COVID Cases

FLORIDA — As Florida approaches two million positive case of the coronavirus since the pandemic was declared a year ago, residents age 50 to 59 flocked to federal, state and county clinics Monday to claim their vaccinations.

With more than three million Floridians age 65 and up now been vaccinated against the deadly virus, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday that he feels comfortable lowering the eligibility rate for vaccinations to age 50.

As of Monday, the Florida Department of Health reported that 3,142,011 seniors age 65 and up have received at least their first vaccination. In all, 4,911,786 Floridians have been vaccinated.

The expanded eligibility for the vaccine comes as Florida experiences a slight increase in the positivity rate after hovering just above 5 percent for the past week.

On Monday, the DOH reported a slight bump up to 6.23 percent.

To date, 1,971,271 Floridians have tested positive for the coronavirus with 83,446 experiencing symptoms severe enough to need hospitalization. The number of Florida residents who have died as a result of coronavirus-related illness is 32,742.

In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday that it is recommending 3 feet of distance between students in classroom settings at schools instead of the previously recommended 6 feet.

The CDC said the new Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Prevention guidelines reflect the latest studies on physical distancing between students who are wearing masks and taking other precautions against the spread of the coronavirus.

• In elementary schools, the CDC recommends all students remain at least 3 feet apart in classrooms where mask use is universal — regardless of whether community transmission is low, moderate, substantial or high.
• In middle and high schools, the CDC also recommends students should be at least 3 feet apart in classrooms where mask use is universal and in communities where transmission is low, moderate or substantial.
• Middle school students and high school students should be at least 6 feet apart in communities where transmission is high, if cohorting is not possible. Cohorting is when groups of students are kept together with the same peers and staff throughout the school day to reduce the risk of spread throughout the school. This recommendation is because COVID-19 transmission dynamics are different in older students. They are more likely to be exposed to coronavirus and spread it.

The CDC is standing by its previous recommendation that elementary, middle and high schools remain open for in-person instruction during the pandemic.

“CDC is committed to leading with science and updating our guidance as new evidence emerges,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky. “Safe in-person instruction gives our kids access to critical social and mental health services that prepare them for the future, in addition to the education they need to succeed. These updated recommendations provide the evidence-based roadmap to help schools reopen safely and remain open for in-person instruction.”

However, the CDC continues to recommend at least 6 feet of distance in the following cases:

• In community settings outside the classroom.
• During activities when increased exhalation occurs, such as singing, shouting, band practice, sports, or exercise. These activities should be moved outdoors or to large, well-ventilated spaces whenever possible.
• When masks can’t be worn, such as when eating.
• In common areas, such as school lobbies and auditoriums.
• Between adults in the school building and between adults and students.

The CDC also supported President Joe Biden's directions to states to prioritize K–12 teachers, school staff and childcare workers for COVID-19 vaccinations by the end of March.

Although DeSantis hasn't opened up eligibility to teachers or other school staff under the age of 50, educators are able to obtain the vaccines at four sites in Florida operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. All four sites are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week and appointments are not required.

• Gateway Mall, 5200 Norwood Ave., Jacksonville, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week
• Tampa Greyhound Track, 755 E. Waters Ave., Tampa.
• Miami Dade Community College – North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27th Ave., Miami
• Valencia College – West Campus, 1800 S. Kirkman Road Orlando.

See related stories:

• Florida To Begin Vaccinating Residents Age 50 And Up Monday
• How To Get The Coronavirus Vaccine In Florida