Houston Republic

As the debate over how children receive instruction this school year runs down to the wire, CDC Director Robert Redfield has come down firmly on the side of reopening schools for in-person education.

“It is critically important for our public health to open schools this fall,” Redford was quoted as saying in a CDC release advocating that school districts work closely with local health departments to tailor their reopening to the needs of local communities.

The release stated that tools and resources provided with it would help to guide schools on how to open safely, “by promoting behaviors that prevent spread, altering how a school and school day is structured, and outlining how to keep the school environment healthy through cleaning, proper ventilation and other practices.”

CDC Director Robert Redfield | File photo

Redfield also stated that having schools closed has had a negative impact on the health of children. In statements made before the U.S. House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, Redfield discussed a few of those impacts, noting that he has a grandchild with cystic fibrosis who would be going back to school as well, according to the College Fix.

“I want it done smartly, but I think we have to be honest that the public health interest of the students in this nation right now is to get a quality education and face-to-face learning and we need to get on with it,” Redfield was quoted as telling the committee. "The isolation created by restrictions and school closures related to the COVID-19 crisis is creating a mental health crisis in the country. Mental health service, 7.1 million kids get it in school. Nutrition, we talked about. Reporting of child abuse, sexual abuse — mandatory in schools.”