CDC Change Could Cut Quarantines In White Co. Schools

The CDC has relaxed social distancing guidelines inside schools from six feet to three feet.

White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said this news is an exciting step in the right direction. Dronebarger said this will cut down on education gaps caused by quarantines.

“What this will do for our schools is just limit the number of folks who are quarantined when we do have a positive case,” Dronebarger said. “It just keeps that distance a little broader and so we wont affect quite as many students, and keep more kids in school.”

Dronebarger said this is important for the remainder of spring athletics. He said athletics have been a challenge during the pandemic.

“We were blessed to get through basketball season without too much interference,” Dronebarger said. “Football was a challenge, to have that many kids in one place. I think it will be good for spring sports in the sense that not as many students will be affected. That way it doesn’t disrupt teams and games and tournaments.”

One of the biggest challenges social distancing guidelines created were for schools that did not have space to spread out. Dronebarger said that directly affected White County schools.

“In the middle school and high school settings there is really no way to adhere to the strict social distancing standards that were set in place, as far as six feet was concerned,” Dronebarger said. “Our schools aren’t that big, they’re not built to spread out that much without going into some sort of staggered schedule or limited enrollment.”

The CDC is still recommending six feet of distance for teachers and staff. Six feet of distance is also still recommended for school assemblies and sporting events.