Vaccinated or not, CDC and White House say it’s safe for teachers to resume in-person learning

PITTSBURGH — Despite most teachers not yet getting the COVID-19 vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the White House say it’s safe for students and teachers to go back to school.

The topic has become highly debated amongst local school districts and parents.

Some people say students should be back in the classrooms learning in person. Others argue it’s not safe, potentially jeopardizing the health and safety of students and staff.

According to CDC reports, new data shows it’s safe to reopen schools with additional guidance, even if teachers haven’t been vaccinated.

The data coincides with the agency forecasting the COVID-19 death toll could possibly jump to 530,000 by the end of February.

However, the White House agrees with the CDC, saying social distancing, testing and ventilation will all be necessary for a safe return -- and it could be done without all staff being vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Public Schools delayed their in-person return until teachers can get the shot.

More than 70% of the district’s employees said they plan to get vaccinated.

Pennsylvania is still in Phase 1A of vaccination. Phase 1B includes teachers, but it’s not clear when that will begin.

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