Cuomo Outlines Coronavirus School Reopening Steps

NEW YORK CITY — Schools can reopen in the fall only if coronavirus infection rates fall below strict benchmarks to be set in early August, Gov. Andrew Cuomo outlined Monday.

The "formula" that Cuomo spelled out allows school openings in regions that are in Phase Four and have an infection rate under 5 percent.

An "emergency" stop to openings will take place if infections rise above 9 percent, he said.

Data — not feelings or political winds — will determine the openings and keep children safe, he said.

"We're not going to use our children as guinea pigs," he said.

The determinations on openings will be made during the first week of August, Cuomo said.

Cuomo's formula and plan asserted the state has the final say over school opening decisions — a touchy subject with Mayor Bill de Blasio, who recently announced the city's schools will reopen in September.

Cuomo's office quickly threw a wet blanket on de Blasio's pronouncement. The governor's own announcement made clear state benchmarks — and compliance with them — must be met.

The New York City region is currently in Phase Three of reopening, behind other parts of the state that, as of now, fit Cuomo's formula.

De Blasio previously said 75 percent of New York City parents surveyed want their children to return to school in the fall. Patch has its own survey asking parents how they feel about a potential reopening.

You can fill out the survey here.