The Pennsylvania Department of Education released new guidance Thursday allowing for the “option” of elementary-age students to return to school, regardless of community levels of COVID-19.

“We know that educators and families recognize that students benefit from being physically in their classroom,” said Noe Ortega, acting Secretary of Education for Pennsylvania in a news conference Thursday.

Ortega said the updated order only affects elementary-age students, and the decision was made with consideration and input from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Also at the news conference, state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said emerging research suggests lower infection rates and less-severe symptoms of the virus in children under the age of 14.

“We know that it is impossible to eliminate the risk of disease transmission entirely within a school setting, when community spread is present,” she said. “As a pediatrician, I am also aware of the critical role schools play in the healthy emotional and physical development of children.”

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