Governor Cuomo outlines guidelines for schools reopening, ignores Trump
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has outlined the guidelines to reopen schools.
While disclosing this on Monday July 13, 2020, Cuomo stated that he wanted to keep the kids safe.
"We're not going to use our children as guinea pigs," Cuomo stated.
The Mayor noted that school reopenings will be dictated by the state's regional reopening plan.
"Schools in regions that are in phase four of New York's reopening plan are eligible to hold in-person classes this fall, but the area has to maintain a daily infection rate below 5%, based on a 14-day average over a sustained period," he said.
All regions of New York are currently in phase four of reopening except for NYC, which remains in phase three, according to the state.
"We test more, we have more data than any state, look at the data. If you have the virus under control, reopen," he said at a news briefing.
Blasio stated that if the virus isn't under control, schools can't reopen.
He added that the children would not be used as a litmus test, stressing that it is necessary to put them in a safe place where their health is not endangered.
"For schools that do reopen, modifications to the classroom will be determined by local school districts, though the state Department of Education will be publishing guidance for local officials Monday, Cuomo stated.
"Across the state, masks or face coverings will be required in schools when social distancing is not possible," he added.
"Every child and person entering will be screened.
"Tracing has to work in the schools. Cleaning and closure procedures. That's all in the guidelines," he concluded.