The wearing of face protection inside of school facilities is now optional, as a result of new guidelines announced last weekend by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The governor announced on Sunday a plan to end the state’s mask requirement effective Wednesday, March 2.
“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.
According to the CDC, “Community Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.” The CDC tool indicates that Orange and Ulster Counties are considered LOW level.
“Of course, everyone will continue to have the option of wearing a mask while in school,” wrote Marlboro Superintendent Michael Brooks on the school district’s website. “This is a personal choice that will be treated with mutual respect by all.”
Wallkill Superintendent Kevin Castle reminded parents to keep their children home when they are sick.
“Regardless of whether one wears a mask or not, we ask that our learning community continues to demonstrate respect and kindness to one another,” wrote Castle in a letter to parents.
The Highland School District notes that, “Students and employees will be able to make personal decisions regarding face coverings and will be supported in those choices. Please speak with your children to remind them that others may want to remain masked, and our expectation is that we are all accommodating of those personal decisions. “
To provide additional personal mitigation for students and families, the Highland School District announced that it can supply rapid home test kits to any student who wants one - while supplies last. Test kits can be sent home with students with a written note from parents/guardians provided to the school nurse.
“We have been told that rapid home testing kits will be made available regularly,” writes Highland Superintendent Joel Freer. “ We will be sure to set up opportunities for families to receive them.”