U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

08/04/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/04/2021 11:43

Know What to Expect at Your Child’s K- 12 School or Child Care Program

Food Service and Meals

Your child's school or child care program may adjust where and when children eat meals. This may include:

  • Physical distancing as much as possible when moving through the food service line and while eating (especially indoors).
  • Using additional spaces outside of the cafeteria for mealtime seating, such as the gymnasium or outdoor areas.
  • Reminding children to wash hands, before and after eating.
  • Improving ventilation in spaces where children eat.

Physical Education and Physically Active Play

Physical play is important for children. In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors. In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, people should consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated. When physical education and play are held indoors, children and staff should wear masks. Children and staff should physically distance when possible.

Sports and Other Activities

Some sports may make players, coaches, and trainers more likely to get and spread COVID-19 because of physical contact and increased breathing. Other extracurricular activities, such as band, choir, theater, and school clubs that meet indoors, may also make students and staff more likely to get or spread COVID-19.

  • Students should not participate in these activities when they have symptoms of COVID-19 and should be tested.
  • Students who participate in indoor sports and other higher-risk activities should continue to wear masks and physically distance as much as possible.

Learn more about how your school administrators will make decisions about sports and extracurricular activities.