This Monday 28 in February marks the return of almost 1 million children to public schools in New York City, after the week of winter break, and the good news in the midst of the fight against COVID, is that they will not be required to wear masks outdoors in educational centers, but they will still be required to wear masks indoors, such as classrooms and buildings.
This was announced by the authorities of the City Department of Education (DOE), after reiterating that the mandate for the use of face masks will remain in force indoors, both for students, staff and visitors inside schools.
“I am very pleased to be able to make this exciting announcement and allow students and staff to safely remove their masks, when outdoors in California public schools. New York City,” said Education Chancellor David Banks. “Throughout the pandemic, our schools have remained some of the safest spaces for our students and staff, thanks to our standard health and safety protocol.”
The official stressed that safety will continue to be a priority in schools and added that the ‘Stay Safe, Stay Open ‘, which reduced COVID infections by 99%, has been vital to get to this moment, where the rate of positive cases on campus is less than 1% .
Despite the lifting of the mandate for outdoor masks in schools, the Department of Education stated that they will continue to work hand in hand with the health authorities so as not to let their guard down, and will continue to maintain strict protocols such as increased ventilation, distancing when possible, daily screening to ensure people with symptoms do not go to schools, and distribution of home testing kits eras.
The DOE officially informed parents and teachers this Friday about the changes in mask protocols, through messages and on the official website.
“As of Monday 28 in February, masks or face coverings are optional when outside in school buildings. Masks will still be required for all students, staff and visitors inside the schools”, they assured in their letter, where they took the opportunity to insist that those children who have not been vaccinated do so as a measure to increase the levels of protection of all. .
“As a reminder, vaccination is the best tool we have to fight against COVID-19 and to keep our schools safe for all of our students. Children 5 years of age and older are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19“, assured the DOE. “If your child is eligible but has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, you can make an appointment to get vaccinated at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or call 311 to find a vaccination site near you. The vaccine is free to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration or insurance status.”
Remember to get tested
Likewise, and with a view to returning to classes on Monday, the Department of Education reminded parents of the protocol that children must follow in order to enter schools, carrying out two tests against COVID at home with the kits that were delivered and present the results.
The first test must be done on Saturday 27 in February at night and the second on 27 February, also in the evening.
“If your child tests negative and feels fine, they should come to school on Monday 28 February. But please note that if your child has recovered from a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 90 days, you do not need to take a test and should attend school on Monday 28 in February if you feel well, “they warned. school authorities.
Before the children headed out for their winter break, Governor Kathy Hochul assured that she would make a statewide decision on the mask mandate soon, so it was expected to make a statement in the coming days.
Likewise, and with a view to returning to classes on Monday, the Department of Education reminded parents of the protocol that children must follow in order to enter schools, carrying out two tests against COVID at home with the kits that were delivered and present the results.
The first test must be done on Saturday 27 in February at night and the second on 27 February, also in the evening.
“If your child tests negative and feels fine, they should come to school on Monday 28 February. But please note that if your child has recovered from a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 90 days, you do not need to take a test and should attend school on Monday 28 in February if you feel well, “they warned. school authorities.
Before the children headed out for their winter break, Governor Kathy Hochul assured that she would make a statewide decision on the mask mandate soon, so it was expected to make a statement in the coming days.