New York eliminates mask requirement for schools in the state

NEW YORK – New York Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an end to face coverings in schools across the state, following a significant reduction in coronavirus infections and hospitalizations.

As of March 2, students, teachers, and other school personnel will not have the obligation to wear the mask – something that many parents had demanded – and the initiative comes after the requirement for the outside of school was eliminated this week. the schools.

The decision was also announced after last Friday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its new guide to determine prevention measures for Covid-19.

According to these new guidelines, 70% of the population can stop using it. 28% of the population is still in counties with high levels of pandemics.

Residents in low- and medium-risk counties no longer need to wear masks in public places, according to the CDC.

“My friends, the day has come. Today we are announcing that we will eliminate the state requirement for masks in schools,” Hochul said at a press conference.

She noted with satisfaction that statewide Covid infections have dropped from a peak of more than 90,000 in early January to 1,671 positive cases out of a population of nearly 20 million New Yorkers.

She also highlighted that the figures have had a downward trend for 57 days.

Likewise, the Democrat pointed out that there are still some counties in the state with high transmission of the virus, so she will be allowed to determine what is best for her county.

She emphasized that the mask requirement is still in force for nursing homes, prisons, adult care centers, shelters for the homeless and for victims of gender violence, and public transport.

Hochul expressed confidence that the city of New York, where the mayor has control of the public education system – the largest in the country – will welcome this decision. But, she reminded me that the decision is in the hands of Mayor Eric Adams.