The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is looking into whether six feet of distance is necessary to keep students safe at school or if three feet is okay, NBC News reports. The current CDC guidelines recommend maintaining six feet of distance between students, which limits how many students can safely fit into each classroom. According to NBC News, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky was questioned about the issue during a Wednesday subcommittee hearing of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The subject of the hearing was vaccine distribution. Growing evidence suggests that three feet may be acceptable.

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner announced new guidelines recommended for sanctuaries and faith-based organizations Friday afternoon. The required guidelines are recommended by the mayor’s Health and Equity Response Task Force and its Faith and Community Leaders Subcommittee. COVID-19 casesAs of Friday, The Houston Health Department reports 138 new cases and three new COVID-related deaths. Turner said the city has reached its goal but urged residents to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines to continue to decrease the city’s positivity rate. — Houston Mayor's Office (@houmayor) October 16, 2020Click here to read more about the mayor’s recommended guidelines.

HOUSTON – Many school districts were discussing Wednesday how to move forward with the start of school under the new state guidelines. “The best learning is still going to take place in the traditional classroom,” said Superintendent Dr. Greg Poole of Barbers Hill ISD. Dr. Poole is the superintendent of the Barbers Hill Independent School District. Districts are required to follow the state mask order, which applies to students ages 10 and up. Dr. Poole said children will unavoidably be next to each other, but complete online learning could be detrimental to a student’s development.

Gregg Abbott announced the start of the state’s reopening of Texas plan on Friday, which includes allowing retail businesses to provide to-go services. Retail stores are allowed to reopen for business on April 24 though they may only provide pick-up services. • Purchased items should be delivered by an employee or third party carrier and delivered to the customer’s doorstep. Guidelines for employees• All employees must be trained on environmental cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette. • Upon entering the business, employees must wash or sanitize hands.