LI Superintendent Makes Masks Optional After Court Overturns Gov.

SEAFORD, NY — A judge overturning the state's mask mandate has caused ripples across Long Island.

Seaford Schools Superintendent Dr. Adele Pecora announced, as of Tues., Jan. 25, wearing masks is now optional for all students and staff.

Pecora wrote on the school district's website the decision is based on the ruling at the State Supreme County in Nassau County that "the governor and commissioner of education do not have the authority to issue a mask mandate."

However, Gov. Hochul said the state would immediately appeal and the mandate would remain in effect.

"If an appeal is filed, the procedures regarding mask-wearing may change again," Pecora wrote.

Many other districts in Nassau and Suffolk counties were also planning to, at least temporarily, allow masks in their schools.