Improved ventilation and mask rules for staff in elementary schools resulted in fewer COVID-19 cases, CDC study finds

Elementary schools that improved their ventilation systems and required teachers and staff to wear face masks reported significantly fewer cases of COVID-19, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health. 

"Requirements for universal and correct mask use among teachers and staff members and improved ventilation are two important strategies that could reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission as schools continue, or return to, in-person learning," the study, published Friday, stated.  The study compared K-5 schools in Georgia that took these preventive measures with similar schools that didn't, from November 16 through December 11, 2020. Schools that required teachers and staff to wear face masks reported 37% lower COVID-19 incidence, according to the study.