February 27, 2022
Good Evening,
On Friday, February 25, 2022, the CDC made several changes to its COVID-related guidance, including a new metric for community positivity rates and when masking is required on school buses and in school buildings. With this update, the CDC now recommends masking in all indoor settings, including schools, only in areas with a high community transmission rate. The CDC's recommendation is no longer that masks be required in areas with a low or medium community rate. Community rates may be found here.
Following the guidance issued by the CDC, Governor Hochul announced in a press conference this afternoon that effective Wednesday, March 2, 2022, masks will no longer be mandated in schools or on school buses in all counties within New York State. Governor Hochul clarified that recommendations regarding masking in schools and on school buses in counties with high community rates would be at the discretion of the local Department of Health. The Governor emphasized that the harassment or bullying of any student or adult who continues to choose to wear a mask in school or on a school bus will not be tolerated.
Until March 2, 2022, the mask mandate remains in effect. We anticipate further guidance from the State regarding this transition and will update you as information becomes available. Until then, please be patient. Forty-eight hours is not long, considering what we have all been through over the last two years.
Should you have any questions regarding the above information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's building administrator or my office.
Regards,
Tom