NYC Schools Permitted to Reopen Next Month
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced over the weekend that all New York City Schools are permitted to reopen in September. The Governor announced the decision after determining that all 10 regions in New York State met the criteria to do so.
Last month, Governor Cuomo stated that schools would only reopen in state regions where COVID-19 testing rates were under 5% positive. Fortunately, rates have been well below the 5% mark, with New York testing at a 0.78% positive rate, the lowest infection rate in the state since the pandemic began.
The Governor also made clear that each region would need to submit reopening plans which would then need to be approved by both the New York State Department of Education, as well as the New York State Department of Health. Should positive testing rates exceed 5% once again, the Governor would re-examine next steps for schools.
Mayor De Blasio added that New York City schools are on track to reopen, should the infection rate in the city remain under 3%. Both students and professionals are expected to wear masks or some type of face covering as well.
What do you think? Should schools reopen in September? Let us know in the comments below!