Given the ongoing challenge of new COVID variants and surges, which is expected to continue, experts are currently recommending the following:

1. Clean air mitigation to include CO2 monitoring, air changes per hour reporting, portable HEPA units, HEPA with UV or Corsi-Rosenthal boxes (can be done as science project) 
2. Strong and clear mask policies that are connected to COVID-19 transmission levels. Although not required in many indoor spaces or school districts, the American Academy of Pediatrics has noted that indoor masking is still important in schools. COVID mitigation policies need not be all or nothing. Health departments, school districts, and businesses can consider increasing mitigation measures during surges.
3. Vaccination – COVID-19 vaccination and boosters as recommended by the CDC should be encouraged.
4. Testing, isolation, and quarantine – individuals and organization, including school districts, should follow CDC guidelines for close contacts with consideration of extending isolation to 10 days for families who wish to do so and/or requiring a negative before ending isolation.

Mask Fit

When you wear a mask, you protect others as well as yourself. Since the high transmissibility of Omicron, experts recommending an authentic high quality mask (N95, KN95, KF94) that fits well. Studies have found that a good fit can improve the effectiveness of filtration significantly.  Double masking, the tie-and-tuck technique, or a mask-fitting brace are easy ways you can improve your fit. For an added bonus – a better fit means less fogging on your glasses. Check out CDC for more info: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/mask-fit-and-filtration.html