Protect our Children from COVID-19 Act

To facilitate the re-opening of schools through study of children’s role in transmitting SARS–CoV–2, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protect our Children from COVID–19 Act 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) School closures have substantial negative effects on children’s education, mental health, and social development. (2) In general, school closures compound inequalities in rural and low-income communities, where students often lack access to computers and high-speed internet. (3) Returning children to the classroom will not only facilitate their development, but also free up their adult caregivers as they return to work. (4) To date, scientific evidence suggests children have a lower probability of developing a serious illness from COVID–19 than adults. It remains unclear, however, what role children play in transmitting SARS–CoV–2. (5) Pursuing research that analyzes and understands the transmissibility of SARS–CoV–2 in children will help families, educators, and elected leaders make better decisions on re-opening schools and our economy. 3. Study on children’s role in transmitting SARS–CoV–2 (a) Study (1) In general Not later than August 1, 2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the Secretary (2) Issues to be studied The study under paragraph (1) shall address— (A) the transmissibility of COVID–19 from child to child, child to adult, and adult to child; (B) the vulnerability of children, especially those with underlying health conditions, to severe illness as such vulnerability relates to COVID–19; (C) the vulnerability of adults, especially those with underlying health conditions, who send their children back to school; and (D) the vulnerability of adults, especially those with underlying health conditions, who interact with children who may be asymptomatic but infectious. (3) Considerations In carrying out the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) take into consideration the best available science, including as provided by the National Academy of Sciences; and (B) ensure that such study includes consideration of children who are members of racial or ethnic minority groups. (b) Reporting Not later than August 1, 2020, and quarterly thereafter through the end of the emergency period, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress on children’s role in transmitting SARS–CoV–2. The first such report shall include the results of the study under subsection (a). (c) Dissemination of best practices Not later than August 1, 2020, and quarterly thereafter through the end of the emergency period, the Secretary shall disseminate to stakeholders best practices for protecting children and adults in educational settings. The first best practices disseminated pursuant to the preceding sentence shall include any best practices for protecting children and adults in educational settings identified through the study under subsection (a). (d) Definition In this section, the term emergency period 42 U.S.C. 1320b–5(g)(1)(B)

Summary: Protect our Children from COVID-19 Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study the role of children in transmitting the virus that causes COVID-19 (i.e. coronavirus disease 2019) and disseminate best practices to protect children and adults from the disease in educational settings. HHS must complete these activities by August 1, 2020, and update both the study and best practices quarterly until the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.