The White House says it will designate teachers as “essential workers” exempt from quarantine requirements if they’re exposed to COVID-19. This is White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany speaking on Fox News.

Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany: “We believe teachers are essential workers. The media never stopped working during this pandemic. Our meatpackers didn’t stop working during this pandemic. Our law enforcement didn’t stop working during this pandemic. Nor should our teachers, because America’s children must come first.”

In July, the American Federation of Teachers said its 1.7 million members stood ready to strike, if necessary, to protect teachers, school staffers and children from unsafe workplaces.