NY's New School Mask-Optional Policy Has Fine Print

NEW YORK — Starting Wednesday, masks are optional in New York schools — but there's some fine print.

Starting Wednesday, masking in school and on school buses will no longer be required. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Sunday she was lifting the state indoor mask mandate for K-12 schools and daycare centers, citing statistics that showed plummeting COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates.

However, state officials issued guidelines Tuesday:

• When masks are not worn, the distance to determine whether a student or staff member is “exposed” or a “close contact” in schools is now back to 6 feet.
• Anyone exposed to someone with COVID-19 should mask and test after exposure. NYSDOH continues to require testing of symptomatic students. Infected or exposed — continue to follow the state's isolation and quarantine guidance.
• Students or staff returning to school after completing 5 days of isolation are required to mask in school and in indoor public spaces on days 6-10. Students or staff who are exposed or potentially exposed should wear a mask for 10 days in school and in indoor public spaces.
• The guidance is the same for exposed or potentially exposed pre-K students attending school who are under the age of 5, except that particular care should be taken to assess their ability to properly and consistently wear a well-fitting mask. If they are unable to wear a well-fitting mask in situations when they should be masked in school, then the school should consider mitigation options on a case-by-case basis using factors similar to those used for individuals who are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons.

School districts and daycare centers have the option of requiring masks at all times, but most are leaving it up to parents. Many school officials have communicated with parents asking them to talk to their children about it and about respecting everyone else's decisions.

State Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary Bassett and Education Commissioner Betty Rosa issued a joint statement late Tuesday:

New York State has long been a champion for creating a respectful, civil, and open place to learn and work. The elimination of the state-wide universal mask mandate in schools will be met with relief by some, and concern and apprehension by others. This step is an opportunity for school leaders to reflect in leading conversations and interactions among individuals who have different beliefs and opinions. It is imperative that those making the personal choice to wear or not wear a mask, when it is not mandated, are not stigmatized, bullied, or made to feel uncomfortable.

Hochul said Tuesday the case rate was the lowest it's been since July 25, 2021.

However, because the virus hasn't gone away, everyone should constantly use other methods of limiting transmission.

"Vaccination, testing, social distancing and staying home when sick is still important measures
we can take to protect our own health,” said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “COVID doesn’t seem to be going away, but we can be smart about the way we live with it.”

State officials said Tuesday that 71.6 percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 have completed the vaccine series.