The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidelines for stemming the rising tide of COVID-19.

The agency says stricter adherence is needed to flatten the curve and bridge the gap to when vaccines become widely available.

The CDC calls for universal face masks, strict physical distancing, more testing, fuller contact tracing and prompt quarantining.

Essential indoor spaces should improve ventilation and hygiene; people should avoid all other indoor spaces and postpone travel.

Communities should concentrate on protecting essential workers and those at highest risk for severe illness or death.

In light of benefits such as meal programs and social and health services, K through 12 schools should close only when other safety options have been exhausted and reopen as soon as safety considerations allow.

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