Hochul Says Masks Should Be Mandated For Schools [POLL]

NEW YORK — With the rising number of coronavirus cases throughout most of New York, the question for school districts was, What will the state education department have to offer about the opening of the 2021-22 school year?

The education department made recommendations on a number of topics Thursday, based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

And it's important to remember that the guidelines the education department issued were only recommendations — not mandates.

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Since the New York's state of emergency during the coronavirus pandemic was lifted in July, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, with what little time he has left in office, can no longer make mandates concerning public health concerns.

Cuomo announced Tuesday he would be resigning in 14 days, and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will be taking over leading the state.

In a television interview Thursday, the soon-to-be governor said it was her opinion that anyone in schools should be wearing masks, but she cannot just say it and make it happen.

"My view is that … people will be, children and everyone in a school environment, will be wearing masks," Hochul said.

"That's just an opinion right now, I don't have the authority to make that the policy," she said.

Hochul said she plans to work with school officials, parents and teachers on the issue, as well as following guidance from the CDC.

Now it's your turn to weigh in on the issue. Vote in our unscientific poll and tell us what you think in the comments.