New York State Teachers Union Calls For Mandatory Mask Wearing In Schools

ALBANY – New York State’s Teachers Union is urging state health officials to make mask wearing mandatory in school this fall.

In a statement to the media Thursday morning, New York State United Teachers says that current guidance that mandates the use of masks when six feet of social distancing cannot be maintained doesn’t go far enough.

“The governor has said — and we agree — that parents and educators must be confident in their school district’s reopening plan in order for this to work,” said Union President Andy Pallotta in a statement. “As we hear of disparate mask procedures and other issues in reopening plans across the state, it’s clear that the state must step in. Making masks mandatory at all times is one step toward helping address the reservations that still exist regarding reopening school buildings.”

The union is calling on state leaders to make masks mandatory indoors at all times during the school day, in an effort to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in buildings that reopen for in-person instruction.