State sets rules for reopening schools

Monday, July 13, 2020 - 21:00

Schools in New York State are to reopen based on data, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Monday.

The state is divided into 10 regions; each is going through four phases of reopening, based on metrics.

Schools in Phase 4 regions, like the Capital District, will be able to reopen if daily infection rates remain below 5 percent, using a 14-day average.

Schools will close if regional infection rates rise over 9 percent after Aug. 1, using a seven-day average.

New York State will make the formula determination during the week of Aug. 1 to 7.

“Everybody wants to reopen schools, but you only reopen if it’s safe to reopen, and that’s determined by the data ...,” Cuomo said in making the announcement. “If you don't have the virus under control, then you can’t reopen. We're not going to use our children as the litmus test and we’re not going to put our children in a place where their health is endangered. It’s that simple.”

New York’s more than 700 school districts have been tasked with submitting by July 31 plans for reopening that meet state guidelines.

The New York State Board of Regents, which governs education in the state, met Monday to finalize those guidelines, which were released Monday afternoon.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer

 

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