Omicron surge putting strain on schools to stay open, experts say

As COVID-19 surges nationwide, schools are reflecting the high rates of transmission.

COVID-19 has been a major challenge for schools.

From shutting down in March 2020, to reopening and trying to stay open, the task has been varied and in some cases monumental.

This school year -- the third since the pandemic began -- has presented its own promise and challenges, from vaccines being available to millions of students, to new "test-to-stay" protocols and more transmissible variants. Still, many schools were able to stay open safely with multiple protections in place.

For Elizabeth Stuart, a professor in mental health and health policy and management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a multipronged mitigation strategy has been key to keeping schools safe.