UPDATES
- Gov. Hochul announced Sunday that New York State's mask mandate for K-12 schools will end Wednesday, March 2.
- County and local authorities will have the option to implement their own mandates if local conditions require.
- Parents may still choose to send their children to school wearing masks.
- New guidance and more details from the state are expected soon.
RESOURCES
The Centers for Disease Control Friday issued updated mask guidelines with new metrics to determine high-risk communities.
Here's a community risk breakdown by county under the new metrics.
While this guidance does not change the current state mask guidelines, Gov. Hochul said New York's mask mandate for schools would be reevaluated next week after students return from winter break.
“We welcome these long-needed new metrics for a safe off-ramp from universal masking," said AFT President Randi Weingarten. "The CDC’s guidance is informed by science, not politics, and sets us on a path to a new normal in schools and other public places."
"Educators are giving their all to meet the education and social-emotional needs of students during this pandemic," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "School districts should act cautiously in response to today’s CDC announcement, with the health and safety of students, educators, and their families always in mind."