PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Going back to school in the fall may look a lot different if schools follow new CDC guidelines.
The feds quietly posted a 60-page document this week. That includes the best practices for reopening schools.
The recommendations for school districts are broken into three steps.
For those schools located in a COVID-19 hotspot, the CDC says those districts should remain closed.
Schools will be asked to followed a long list of safety measures if reopening under the guidance of either step 1 or step 2.
Students are encouraged to wear face masks. No changing classes will occur.
Arrival and departure times will be staggered, and desks will need to be set 6 feet apart.
Julie Gauthier, assistant superintendent with Port Neches-Groves ISD, says they're going to spend some time planning and looking at the guidelines.
"We are going to plan, we are going to work through the situation. We are going to think through it. Everything in our plan is that PNG ISD will have school as normal," Gauthier said.
The CDC is also recommending canceling all field trips.
Dr. Mark Porterie, superintendent at Port Arthur ISD, says it will be difficult to follow all the guidelines.
"When a recommendations comes out, people, parents, your community expect that you adhere to the recommendations, to the letter and sometimes it's just not possible," Porterie said.