Reopening Colleges and Universities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Published in: Annals of internal medicine Vol. 173; no. 8; pp. 664 - 665
• Main Authors: Wrighton, Mark S, Lawrence, Steven J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American College of Physicians 20-10-2020
• Subjects: Betacoronavirus; Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology; Coronavirus Infections - transmission; COVID-19; Disease Transmission, Infectious - prevention & control; Enrollments; Global Health; Higher education; Humans; Medical treatment; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology; Pneumonia, Viral - transmission; Quarantine - methods; SARS-CoV-2; School safety; Universities; United States > US
• ISSN: 0003-4819; 1539-3704
• DOI: 10.7326/M20-4752

Reopening of schools for fall 2020 is a daunting challenge; indeed, zero-risk reopening is not possible. With no effective treatment for victims, no vaccine, and a highly contagious virus, bringing together students in traditional ways would be irresponsible. Plans for risk-mitigated reopening of educational institutions are being developed across America, after many schools abruptly ceased normal operations in spring 2020. Although the paramount concern remains the health of students, faculty, and staff, financial viability of residential schools is threatened by the possible decline in enrollment. America's higher education system has already lost billions of dollars because of the pandemic, and anxiety about safety may result in diminished enrollment and additional financial losses. Reopening schools while preserving the health of students, faculty, and staff is the compelling objective. Thus, every institution should implement best practices, including symptom screening; diagnostic testing; contact tracing; isolation of cases and quarantine of contacts; use of masks; and dedensification of living arrangements, classes, and events.