LANSING - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued COVID-19 prevention recommendations to schools to help keep teachers and kids safe in the fall.

Children under the age of 12 currently cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccines to protect themselves from getting or spreading the virus.

“I am pleased with the progress of our vaccination efforts in Michigan, with 56% of Michiganders age 12 and older having received at least their first dose of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “The school environment brings together large groups of individuals who may not yet be vaccinated, MDHHS is issuing this guidance to help protect Michiganders of all ages.”

Some prevention strategies recommended included promoting the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible students and staff, masking over the nose and mouth, social distancing, maintaining healthy environments and COVID-19 screening, testing and contact tracing.

According to MDHHS, the more layered the prevention strategies are, the greater the level of protection will be.