Masks, COVID Tests Given Out As Schools Open: Hochul

LONG ISLAND, NY — As Long Islanders marked the first day of school Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that, with the uptick in COVID cases, she was once again making tests and masks available to school districts with an eye toward keeping students safe.

The COVID-19 rapid test kits and masks are available to school districts and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services by request, Hochul said. The decision came amid reports of the new BA.2.86 variant and following a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations this summer, she said.

Hochul is also advising schools to follow CDC guidance to help protect students in the classroom.

Long Island's COVID positivity rates are the third and fourth highest statewide, respectively, according to New York State Department of Health data, with 18.0 per 100,000 in Suffolk County and 18.9 per 100,000 in Nassau. Statewide, only Putnam, with 19.5, and Broome County, with 23.0 per 100,000, are higher, the data indicates.

Hochul said the goal is to keep the numbers lower than in past years.

"Thanks to the hard work of New York schools, teachers, and parents, we have come a long way to ensure students can safely return to the classroom," she said. “Frequent testing for COVID-19 is an important part of keeping our kids safe and preventing an outbreak, and I will continue working to ensure our school districts have the resources they need to provide a safe, in-person learning environment for our students."

This week, the state will conduct outreach to the State Education Department and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services to survey needs for test kits and masks, Hochul said. After the requests have been submitted, New York State will deliver the requested tests and N-95 and KN-95 masks to each BOCES for distribution to school districts.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald added: "As we start the new school year, and once again see an uptick in COVID-19 across the state, I urge all students, teachers and parents to remember COVID tests are easy to use as well as highly accurate."

In addition, he said: "Also know that COVID is a treatable disease. If you have symptoms, get tested. If you test positive, stay home and stay away from other people, especially those who are vulnerable to serious illness. And, to improve your chances of not having serious illness, speak with a health care provider about treatment."

New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa also reflected: "It is with great excitement and anticipation that I welcome all students, teachers, and school leaders back to school for the 2023 to 2024 school year. The health and safety of everyone in our school communities is paramount as we once again return for in-person instruction, and we must remain vigilant."

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends schools:

• Promote vaccination and testing;
• Encourage students, teachers, and faculty to stay home if they are sick and exhibiting symptoms;
• Optimize ventilation and maintain improvements to indoor air quality to reduce the risk of germs and contaminants spreading through the air; and
• Teach and reinforce proper handwashing and hygiene practices.

A new COVID-19 vaccine tailored to guard against certain variants is expected to arrive in pharmacies and doctor’s offices this fall, Hochul said.