Health officials are currently taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") into communities across the United States. Coronavirus.gov offers the most up to date information about this rapidly evolving situation.

Through collaboration and coordination with State and local health departments, State and local educational agencies, other education officials, and elected officials, schools can disseminate critical information about the disease and its potential transmission to students, families, staff, and community.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance for school settings.

Additional Resources for Elementary and Secondary Schools:

• Broad flexibilities provided to states to bypass ESSA mandated testing for the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19 national emergency. States education leaders can find the waiver application here. (March 20, 2020)
• Fact Sheet: Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students [PDF, 385KB] (March 16, 2020)
• OCR Short Webinar on Online Education and Website Accessibility  Webinar (Length: 00:07:08) (March 16, 2020)
• CDC guidance on Considerations for School Closures (March 13, 2020)
• Protecting Student Privacy: FERPA and the Coronavirus (March 12, 2020)
• Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the COVID-19 Outbreak (March 12, 2020)
• Fact Sheet: Impact of COVID-19 on Assessments and Accountability under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (March 12, 2020)  
• CDC Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs: Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (updated March 12, 2020)
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• The Readiness Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center website, https://rems.ed.gov/Resources_Hazards_Threats_Biological_Hazards.aspx, has useful information, resources, trainings, and tools for addressing infectious diseases, related topics, and protecting the school community.
• The USDA released new information on flexibilities that will allow students to access meal service during school closures.
• The Office for Civil Rights issued a Letter to Education Leaders on Preventing and Addressing potential discrimination associated with COVID-19.
• Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations: Interim Recommendations for US Community Facilities with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease

Additional Resources for Higher Education Institutions:

• The Office of Postsecondary Education issued Information for Accrediting Agencies Regarding Temporary Flexibilities Provided to Coronavirus Impacted Institutions or Accrediting Agencies (March 17, 2020)
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued guidance on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M Nonimmigrant Students (March 9, 2020)
• The CDC issued Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (March 2, 2020)
• The Office of Postsecondary Education issued Guidance for interruptions of study related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Federal Student Aid issued Coronavirus Information for Students, Borrowers, and Parents.

Schools should continue promoting everyday disease prevention strategies:

• If you are sick, stay home from school.
• Avoid close contact with those who are already sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or the crook of your arm.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Consult this web page for further guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.

Schools can share relevant CDC fact sheets to help students, families, and staff understand COVID-19 along with steps they can take to protect themselves:

• What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• What to do if you are sick
• Stop the spread of germs – help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19

ED will regularly update this page as more information and resources become available. Please send questions on which the Department can be helpful to the following email address: COVID-19@ed.gov.

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