“This is the first volume in the U.S. Department of Education (ED) COVID-19 Handbook, a series intended to support the education community as schools reopen. This series will provide tools to aid educators in implementing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Mitigation (K12 Operational Strategy) by addressing common challenges and providing practical examples. This series will be updated as additional scientific evidence becomes available, including evidence related to new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. This volume does not have the force or effect of law and is not binding in any way (except where statutory or regulatory requirements are referenced).”