A new set of quarantine guidelines allow children exposed to COVID-19 to stay in school, but there is mounting criticism for the plan.
Students and teachers who are wearing masks and socially distant no longer have to quarantine after an in school exposure, per Oklahoma’s new guidelines.
When Governor Kevin Stitt announced the plan Tuesday, he cited data from the American Academy of Pediatrics to promote it. Wednesday evening, Oklahoma’s chapter of that organization condemned the guidelines.
In a statement, the pediatricians say the governor is misusing data from other states and schools should still follow CDC recommendations to quarantine after an exposure to COVID-19.
The guidelines have already faced blowback from Oklahoma's Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister and the Oklahoma Education Association.
The new guidelines also appear to have little support on the ground. Urban and suburban school districts around Oklahoma have put out statements saying they won’t be getting rid of quarantine protocols any time soon.
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