New York State is taking a big step back to normal, especially for children and anyone in schools who has dealt with remote learning and isolation.
Beginning Wednesday, March 2, students and staff in schools will no longer be required to wear masks in class as the state mandate comes to an end.
Governor Kathy Hochul is following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and cited a dramatic drop in the number of COVID cases as the reason for removing the mandate.
However, individual districts can still set their own rules and requirements, so some children in the state may still have to wear the protective gear. Students and staff may continue to wear their masks as well, if they choose.
“Every mom and dad, every student should know that their individual choice will be supported, just like any other individual choice in this school district,” said Dr. Joseph Ricca, Superintendent of the White Plains School District. “Maybe you want to wear a mask tomorrow and you don’t want to wear one on Thursday, that’s fine too. Maybe you decide you want to wear a mask for a couple of weeks and then you want to take it off for a while.”
As for New York City students and staff, masks will continue to be required for the largest school district in the country. That mask mandate will likely remain in place until March 7, with Mayor Eric Adams releasing a final decision by the end of the week.
There are still six places where masks will still be required across the state, even after March 7. Those are:
- Public transport: the feds require masks on planes and trains (as well as at airports and transit stations), while NYC and NJ transit operators require masks on trains, buses, and tax/rideshare services.
- Broadway theaters: masks are required until April 30 for now.
- health care facilities: such as hospitals and nursing homes, as well as adult care facilities.
- Correctional facilities.
- Shelters for the homeless.
- Individual businesses that choose to require masks: State law allows local municipalities to opt into more stringent standards around COVID if they choose.
–
