ALBANY (WENY) – The New York State Department of Education issued COVID-19 guidance ahead of the upcoming school year on Thursday.
Previously, the State Department of Health said it would not release any uniform guidance for schools, but the education department promised to do so. On Thursday, education officials said they are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends universal indoor masking for everyone inside schools, regardless of vaccination status.
While this is just a recommendation, individual school districts can require masks if they choose to do so. School administrators are also encouraged to partner with local health officials when developing their own policies.
Masks will be required on all school buses regardless of vaccination status because of federal law.
Masks are also recommended for all school events and athletics while indoors; the guidance also recommends schools maintain at least three feet of physical distance between students within the classroom.
The full guidance can be found online here.
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