Guidance for reopening schools in New York State
On July 13, 2020, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced new, data-driven guidance for reopening schools in New York State allowing schools in New York State Regions in Phase IV to reopen if the daily infection rate remains below 5% using a 14-day average. However, schools will close if Regional Infection Rate rises over 9% after August 1, 2020.
The finalized Department of Health and the Reimagine Education Advisory Council guidance and guiding principles are posted on the Internet at:
Among the topics addressed in the State's guidance materials are the following:
Aftercare and Extracurricular activities
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Cohort Structures
Food Service
Masks and Personal Protection Equipment [PPE]
Restructuring Space to Maximize In-Class Instruction
Screening
Social Distancing
Tracing
Transportation
* N.B - The New York State School Board Association notes that "the State Education Department said that Plexiglas® and similar plastic glazing materials called plexiglass are flammable and do not meet fire code or SED regulations. For more information, visit the Office of Facilities Planning website."
CAUTION
Subsequent court and administrative rulings, or changes to laws, rules and regulations may have modified or clarified or vacated or reversed the information and, or, decisions summarized in NYPPL.
For example, New York State Department of Civil Service's Advisory Memorandum 24-08 reflects changes required as the result of certain amendments to §72 of the New York State Civil Service Law to take effect January 1, 2025 [See Chapter 306 of the Laws of 2024]. Advisory Memorandum 24-08 in PDF format is posted on the Internet at https://www.cs.ny.gov/ssd/pdf/AM24-08Combined.pdf.
Accordingly, the information and case summaries should be Shepardized® or otherwise checked to make certain that the most recent information is being considered by the reader.
THE MATERIAL ON THIS WEBSITE IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY. AGAIN, CHANGES IN LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS AND NEW COURT AND ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS MAY AFFECT THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS LAWBLOG. THE MATERIAL PRESENTED IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE AND THE USE OF ANY MATERIAL POSTED ON THIS WEBSITE, OR CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING SUCH MATERIAL, DOES NOT CREATE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP.
NYPPL Blogger Harvey Randall served as Principal Attorney, New York State Department of Civil Service; Director of Personnel, SUNY Central Administration; Director of Research, Governor’s Office of Employee Relations; and Staff Judge Advocate General, New York Guard.
Consistent with the Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations, the material posted to this blog is presented with the understanding that neither the publisher nor NYPPL and, or, its staff and contributors are providing legal advice to the reader and in the event legal or other expert assistance is needed, the reader is urged to seek such advice from a knowledgeable professional.
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