Thread by @Hold2LLC

NY School Masking - Master Thread: Summer/Fall 2021

Gov Cuomo and NYS DOH left school districts confused when removing the State of Emergency without clarifying school mask rules.

This thread shows School Districts where masks are proactively made optional:

#1 - Depew

#2 - Hamburg

Same wording. Note these districts are matching up summer school with summer camp guidance.

Key quote:

"...there is no material difference in risk levels or populations between our programs and summer camps."

#3 - Tonawanda

Same text again.

Notable logic:
- Cuomo lifted the state of emergency
- NYSDOH, NYSED, and CDC guidance documents only covered the '20-'21 school year, which ended
- Legal counsel agreed with the logic
- Will re-evaluate if NYS issues new guidance

#4 - Akron

This letter from Akron today indicates NYSDOH sent new guidance privately to Superintendents stating they can follow camp guidance during summer school.

This is logical, but why now, why privately, and why not for next school year?

Link: akronschools.org/site/handlers/…

#5 - William Floyd

One of the Long Island districts that sent a strong letter in my prior thread.

Effective tomorrow (July 8).

wfsd.k12.ny.us

#6 - Longwood

"...masks will no longer be mandatory for students as well as vaccinated staff participating in any of our summer school programs."

#7 - Elwood (Long Island)

Key note:

Includes instructional programs (not just camps) and BOE meetings.

Very important.

#8 - Smithtown (Long Island)

Like Elwood, an important point here is that Suffolk County DHS is also aware and confirming the guidance, so other Districts and Superintendents can't say they aren't clear on the guidance.