(CNN) The White House is formally declaring teachers essential workers as part of their efforts to encourage schools around the country to reopen for in-person learning. Under Department of Homeland Security guidance issued this week, teachers are now considered "critical infrastructure workers" and are subject to the same kinds of advisories as other workers who have born that label -- such as doctors and law enforcement officers. The guidance for essential workers states that they can continue to work even after exposure to a confirmed case of Covid-19, provided they remain asymptomatic. Pence publicly confirmed Friday that the administration has designated teachers as essential workers, but said it was not a mandate. What that is, is when you're declared an essential it means you're going to be prioritized for things like PPE and support.

Source: CNN August 20, 2020 22:32 UTC