Colleagues,
Below is the latest update from NYSUT clarifying that, as far as masks at schools are concerned, there will be no changes in guidelines until after CDC reviews the merits of the NYS Department of Health proposal announced last Friday. This is consistent with the position that both NYSUT and RTA took on this issue (see link below).
Adam
<Parents and teachers unions react to loosened school mask mandate>
Begin forwarded message:From: “NYSUT Officers” <alert@nysutinfo.org>
Subject: NYSUT Alert – June 6, 2021 – Update from NYSUT
Date: June 6, 2021 at 5:12:22 PM EDT
To: urbanski@rochesterteachers.com
Reply-To: “NYSUT Officers” <cynthia.gould@nysut.org>
TO: NYSUT Board of Directors
NYSUT Local Presidents
FROM: NYSUT Officers
DATE: June 6, 2021
SUBJECT: NYSUT Alert – June 6, 2021 – Update from NYSUT
NYSDOH: Guidance on masks
Today, Commissioner Rosa put out the following guidance to school districts:
As of September 1, 2020, school districts were permitted to reopen, under Executive Order 202.60, “subject to adherence to Department of Health issued guidance and directives.” These have included the submission of reopening plans to address, among other things, distancing and health requirements.
SED has been in communication with Executive staff regarding the letter linked below from Dr. Howard Zucker, New York State Commissioner of Health. According to conversations with Executive staff, the intent of this letter was to obtain a response from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding differing standards for summer camps and schools; it has not changed any existing arrangements.
Therefore, schools should continue to operate under their existing procedures until further notice.
No changes have been, or will be, made by the Executive until after Monday June 7 to afford the CDC an opportunity to respond to the letter.
Link to DOH letter to the CDC:
https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/Letter_from_NYSDOH.pdf