The best way to ensure students can return to classes in the fall is for all residents to wear a mask.

That was the point stressed repeatedly Thursday by state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine during a media call with state Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera.

“Pennsylvanians want to stay at work and go back to school, and our actions as a community impact those things right now,” Levine said.

She said anyone who arrives at a store where masks are not being worn or a gathering where others are vocal about refusing to wear a mask should leave.

“There are things people can do now to help kids get back to their schools,” Levine said. “Please wear a mask.”

She particularly worries about students with special needs and disabilities not receiving the services normally provided at school should a surge in cases prevent students from returning to classrooms.

Levine said states that “let it burn,” like Florida, are seeing thousands of new cases of COVID-19 on a regular basis.

“If we have a growth of COVID-19 with thousands of new cases a day, we can't put students and staff and the community at risk,” she said. “That's why we need to do our part right now.”

Other than students wearing masks when they return, Levine and Rivera said updated state guidelines do not contain mandates regarding whether or how students in the state's 500 school districts return to school in the fall in the face of the pandemic.

Instead, Rivera said his department has provided school officials with relevant data on COVID-19.

Levine said the goal of state officials is to ensure a safe return to school for students, educators and staff.

“In those instances when someone tests positive, public health staff from the (Department of Health) will immediately assist the school with risk assessment, isolation and quarantine recommendations and other infection control recommendations,” Levine said.

While further details on the updated guidelines will be released “imminently,” the best practices recommendations for schools outlined by the departments of health and education include:

Masks must be worn by students and staff at school and on the bus, with some exceptions. Masks may be removed to eat or drink.

Caregivers, parents or students should complete a daily symptom screening before leaving for school.

Social distancing should be encouraged during the school day, with 6 feet of separation between desks and other seating.

When possible, classes should be held in gyms, auditoriums and other large spaces to maintain social distancing.

Student seating should be facing in the same direction.

Student interaction should be limited by staggering class times, creating one-way walking patterns in hallways and changing teachers instead of students when classes must be rotated.

Districts should consider serving individually prepackaged meals in classrooms and avoid across-the-table seating. Students should remain 6 feet apart if meals are served in a cafeteria.

The number of students on playgrounds at one time should be limited and social distancing should be encouraged.

Virtual gatherings should be encouraged for gatherings, events and extracurricular activities.

Rivera said health and safety plans are arriving at the education department from school districts, charter schools, regional charter schools, cyber charter schools, career and technical centers and intermediate units as required.

“Today, we collected 100 health and safety plans,” Rivera said. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach.”

Rivera also said he feels the hybrid approach of in-person learning at school and some distance learning is the best way for schools to go regarding the start of the school year in the fall.

He said his department has been working to provide districts and other school entities with the best information to help them plan a safe and educational school year for students, faculty and staff.

A commissioned report containing data on all potential issues regarding the coronavirus was released to school leaders to help them make informed decisions on reopening schools.

One question asked of Levine and Rivera was whether state officials would block the opening of schools or order them to close in certain circumstances.

Levine said she will do everything necessary to protect public health, and reiterated that wearing masks now could help stem the spread of COVID-19, so students can return to school.

“What we absolutely need to do now is to do everything we possibly can so the schools can reopen safely in the fall,” she said.

Rivera said decisions ultimately will be made based on data.

“The research behind COVID-19 has driven our decisions and will continue to drive decisions moving forward,” he said. “At the end of the day, we are going to be driven by the data that will keep students and staff safe.”