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Recent News » Covid-19 Updates

Covid-19 Updates

Welcome to our COVID response page. Below you’ll find all the critical information about how school x is changing the way we operate to reduce the risk of COVID infection.

We are doing everything we can to make sure staff, students, and families are safe.

Please check back regularly, as we will update the information here as conditions change.

DOE Families Updates also has important information and resources for you.

 

Updates

Our “Stay Safe, Stay Open” plan has succeeded in allowing us to keep New York City public schools open and remain among the safest places for young people to be during the COVID-19 pandemic. As our schools did their part in reducing transmission rates, so have New Yorkers as a whole. We are pleased to announce that as a result, we will be implementing changes in our current COVID-19 health and safety policies in our schools in accordance with the latest guidance.

Mask Policy Updates

We are pleased to announce that, face coverings will be optional on school grounds for students in kindergarten through grade 12 beginning Monday, March 7.

To maintain the safety of our staff and students, we will continue to practice strict COVID-19 protocols, including increased ventilation, a daily health screening, and test kit distribution. Mask-wearing will become optional indoors, outside, and on school buses. Anyone who chooses to wear a mask may continue to do so, and your child may request a mask from their school if they need one.

The indoor mask mandate is still active for LYFE, EarlyLearn (Infants & Toddlers), 3-K, Pre-K, and 4410 classrooms. Children two years old and older and all staff and visitors in these classrooms, must continue to wear a face covering indoors. Since children under the age of five are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine, face coverings remain our strongest defense against COVID-19 for our youngest learners.

In addition, any staff member or student in grades Kindergarten or higher returning on Day 6 following a positive COVID-19 diagnosis or after having COVID-19 symptoms without testing is still required to wear a well-fitting mask at all times on school property through Day 10.

Masks are strongly recommended for any staff member or student who knows they have been exposed to COVID-19 within the previous 10 days. Mask wearing is still required in medical rooms and nurses’ offices, as well as in School Based Health Centers. Nurses will have masks on hand for anyone entering who may need one.

Social Distancing

There are no requirements for social distancing in public spaces, including classrooms, cafeterias and auditoriums.

Visitor Policy

Visitors are still required to show proof of vaccination and complete the daily health screening (healthscreening.schools.nyc) before entering a DOE building.

Vaccination 

As a reminder, vaccination is the best tool we have to fight COVID-19 and to keep our schools safe for all our students. Children ages 5 and older are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. If your child is eligible but not yet vaccinated against COVID-19, you can make an appointment for vaccination at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or call 311 to find a vaccine site near you. The vaccine is free for all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration or insurance status. We thank you for your continued partnership.

Technology: Getting a Device and Internet Access

We are committed to making sure that all students have their own device to use in school and at home. 

  • If your child needs a device or any  assistant with their device, fill out the Technical Support Form.
  • Borrowed devices should be used for school purposes only and kept in a secure location. Take your device with you on in-school days. 
  • If you do not have internet access at home use the same form above to let us know. We have internet ready devices.
  • If you are not able to get internet hooked up in your home, your child's teacher will work with you to provide alternative offline assignments.