As family physicians, we know it is important for children to be in school, for their education, as well as for their social and emotional development. However, in these unprecedented times, we also know that extra precautions are needed to ensure a safe learning environment for students and teachers in light of COVID-19.  Reopening schools at reduced capacity to allow for social distancing, requiring face coverings, and allowing local school system some flexibility to deal with their community’s specific situation are all important steps to provide our children the education they need in as safe of a learning environment as possible.  

David A. Rinehart, MD, FAAFP, President, NC Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors