Under Plan B, schools are required to follow key safety measures that include:

—Require face coverings for all teachers and students K-12

—Limit the total number of students, staff and visitors within a school building to the extent necessary to ensure 6 feet distance can be maintained when students/staff will be stationary

—Conduct symptom screening, including temperature checks

—Establish a process and dedicated space for people who are ill to isolate and have transportation plans for ill students

—Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in the school and transportation vehicles regularly

—Require frequent hand washing throughout the school day and provide hand sanitizer at entrances and in every classroom

—Discontinue activities that bring together large groups

—Limit nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups

—Discontinue use of self-service food or beverage distribution

In addition, schools are strongly recommended to follow additional safety measures that include:

—Designate hallways and entrance/exit doors as one-way

—Keep students and teachers in small groups that stay together as much as possible

—Have meals delivered to the classroom or have students bring food back to the classroom if social distancing is not possible in the cafeteria

—Discontinue activities that bring together large groups

—Place physical barriers such as plexiglass at reception desks and similar areas

More details can be found in the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit. Read the Screening Reference Guide for schools and the Infection Control and PPE Guidance.