As many parents are struggling with the idea of sending their children back to school during the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House is formally declaring teachers essential workers as part of their efforts to encourage schools around the country to reopen for in-person learning.
CNN reports that Vice President Mike Pence announced the decision to governors on a call last week. Under Department of Homeland Security guidance issued this week, teachers are now considered “critical infrastructure workers” and are subject to the same kinds of advisories as other workers who have borne that label — such as doctors and law enforcement officers.
The guidance for essential workers states that they can continue to work even after exposure to a confirmed case of Covid-19, provided they remain asymptomatic.
As students return to US campuses, at least 15 states are reporting positive coronavirus cases at universities.
Tampa Lights Up In Blue To Thank First Responders And Health Care Workers
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ShareLandmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareTAMPA, FL - APRIL 16: Downtown Tampa is lit up in blue lights on April 16, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareTAMPA, FL - APRIL 16: Downtown Tampa is lit up in blue lights on April 16, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareTAMPA, FL - APRIL 16: Downtown Tampa is lit up in blue lights on April 16, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareTAMPA, FL - APRIL 16: Downtown Tampa is lit up in blue lights on April 16, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareTAMPA, FL - APRIL 16: Downtown Tampa is lit up in blue lights on April 16, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareJACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - APRIL 16: The Main Street Bridge is lit blue on April 16, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareDETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 16: Aerial view of Detroit on April 16, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareBURBANK, CA - APRIL 16: The Warner Brothers water tower is lit up in blue on April 16, 2020 in Burbank, California, United States. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareNEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: A view of Rockefeller Center lit in blue on April 16, 2020 in New York City. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareNEW YORK, - APRIL 16: A view of Pier 17 on April 16, 2020 in Various Cities, United States. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareNEWARK, NJ - APRIL 16: A view of City Hall illuminated in blue on April 16, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareLOS ANGELES, - APRIL 16: A view of LA Live illuminated in blue on April 16, 2020 in Los Angeles, United States. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareLOS ANGELES, - APRIL 16: A view of the Los Angeles Wilshire Grand Center illuminated in blue on April 16, 2020 in Los Angeles, United States. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 16: The Union Station is lit up in blue on April 16, 2020 in Los Angeles, California, United States. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 16: Los Angeles City Hall is lit up in blue on April 16, 2020 in Los Angeles, California, United States. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Across U.S., Stadiums, Landmarks Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareKANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 09: A building on the Country Club Plaza is lit up in blue lights on April 09, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers
ShareBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 16: The Zakim Bridge is lit in blue on April 16, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)