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:  

https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Pre-K_to_Grade_12_Schools_MasterGuidence.pdf.*

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."