State to end school mask requirement on March 2

Posted 2/27/22

Governor Kathy Hochul Sunday announced plans to end the state mask requirement in schools starting on Wednesday, March 2. The Governor made this decision based on the analysis of several key …

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State to end school mask requirement on March 2

Posted

Governor Kathy Hochul Sunday announced plans to end the state mask requirement in schools starting on Wednesday, March 2. The Governor made this decision based on the analysis of several key COVID-19 data trends and after consulting with health and education experts, as well as parents, teachers and school administrators. The announcement also follows recent changes in metrics used by the CDC to determine risk and transmission levels in communities. Other mitigation measures should remain in place.

"With more New Yorkers getting vaccinated, and the steady decline over the past several weeks in cases and hospitalizations from Omicron, we are now entering a new phase of the pandemic. Because New Yorkers have stepped up, we can confidently remove the statewide mask requirement in our schools," Governor Hochul said. "This is a huge step forward for our kids and communities and I am grateful to the students, educators and parents for their dedication to keeping us all safe—we've reached this milestone because of your hard work."  

New York has made significant progress in the fight against COVID-19. Among large states, New York has the highest rate of adults fully vaccinated for COVID-19, the highest rate of teenagers fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and the second-highest rate of children ages 5-11 fully vaccinated. New York State has experienced a 98 percent decline in COVID-19 cases since the Omicron peak, and a continuous downward trend in cases for 51 consecutive days.  

The number of children testing positive for COVID is declining to levels not seen since before students returned from summer break; yesterday 229 cases were reported compared to a 7-day average of 832 cases at the beginning of the school year. Pediatric hospitalizations have declined by roughly 80 percent since the Omicron peak. 

Ahead of Midwinter break, 4.8 million tests were sent to schools for children to take home. An additional 4.8 million tests will be sent this week for students to take home upon their return to school. In total, 20.8 million tests have been distributed to schools. Over the past six weeks, the State established 261 #VaxForKids sites, bringing the vaccine directly to New York families to help parents and guardians get their eligible children vaccinated and boosted. 

New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta welcomed the announcement.

“We welcome this step toward normalcy," Pallotta said. "The governor is striking the right balance by empowering local officials to use data to determine if and when the mitigation strategies need to change in their areas. As the guidance changes, one thing must remain constant: It’s essential that districts work closely with educators to ensure there is confidence in their health and safety plans.”

Locally, Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt (R-C- New Windsor) also welcomed the announcement.

“Over the course of two school years and the tenures of two Governors we have fought to return our children to a normal learning environment and lift the unnecessary school mask mandate," Schmitt said. "I have been proud to stand with parents, students, and community members as the legislative voice in the Hudson Valley to demand the Governor and Health Department do the right thing and lift the school mask mandates through direct outreach, budget hearings, and legislative measures. This announcement from the Governor was long overdue but is now here. Finally, our students and families can breathe a sigh of relief."