U.S. Department of Ed Issues COVID-19 Handbook

The U.S. Department of Education has issued a COVID-19 Handbook, Volume I, to support school re-opening. The handbook cites schools should continue to offer music, performing arts, physical education, health education, and athletics programs as part of a well-rounded education for all students during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Specifically, the handbook outlines mitigations for music instruction, including: “For music and performing arts, CDC recommends masks be worn by all students and staff when not playing an instrument that requires the use of their mouth (unless the program is outdoors and at least 6 feet of distance can be maintained). When singing, individuals should wear a mask. Schools can consider holding music and performing arts classes outside or in an open environment or under an open tent, if safe from other hazards, such as heat, cold, and air pollution. If the class is held indoors, ensure that it occurs in healthy facilities, including by optimizing ventilation...as previously described, cohorting/podding is another option to minimize class size. Teachers can use a portable amplifier to keep voices at a low, conversational volume and should limit the exchange (or sharing) of any instruments, parts, music sheets, or any other items. Depending on the instrument, disposable absorbent pads or other receptacles, where possible, should be provided to catch the contents of spit valves. Teachers can consider using “bell covers” for the openings of brass instruments and specially designed bags* with hand openings for woodwind instruments to minimize the generation of droplets and aerosols.”

The guidance also recommends that planning for school reopening should include student and parent representatives so that specific interests and legal requirements are considered in the early stages of planning.

ED will release additional volumes of the Handbook providing specific strategies to address the extraordinary disruption created by COVID-19 for students, educators, and parents – especially for historically underserved students and communities that preliminary data suggest have been hit hardest by the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also will be issuing resources to support early childhood education providers.

*NAMM is monitoring this issue closely and is working with partner organizations to request changes and updates to CDC and the U.S. Dept of Ed Handbook recommendations for ongoing music education to meet the learning and health needs of all students. Check this site frequently for updates.

More information may be found here: U.S. Department of Education