CDC Makes 3-Foot Social Distancing Rule Official

As expected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday amended its guidance for schools, reducing social distancing requirements for students and teachers.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky says students and teachers need only stay three feet apart, instead of the previously recommended distance of six feet. She points to a study published last week that found “no significant difference” between the two distances.

“Indeed, because six feet has been such a challenge there, science has leaned in and there are now emerging studies on the question between three feet and six feet,” says CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

Updated @CDCgov guidance could pave the way for more schools to return to in-person learning.

The agency now says students only need to be spaced 3 feet apart in classrooms – just half of the 6 feet that was first recommended to curb the spread in schools https://t.co/GqqGE6Xcbz

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) March 19, 2021