New mask study underway in Missouri

The CDC is in Missouri today to begin a first-ever COVID-19 study within some K-12 schools.

Two groups of students who are considered close contacts to someone with COVID-19 will be tested over a 30-day period. The first group includes those wearing masks who are allowed to continue in-person classes.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Randall Williams says the other group involves students required to quarantine for 14 days, regardless of whether they were a wearing mask. “The prevailing evidence to date after about eight months is, is that there is a very low risk of catching COVID-19 at school just from proximity if you are wearing a mask,” says Dr. Williams.

Teachers will be included in the case and contact investigation. Earlier this month, the state loosened the guidelines for making students and staff quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19, if they were properly wearing masks at school.