Watch CBS News

New York Schools Allowed To Reopen Statewide For In-Person Classes This Fall, Gov. Cuomo Says

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- It's the decision many parents, students and teachers have been waiting months for.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says New York schools can reopen for in-person learning next month, but there are some conditions. The infection rate must be below 5%, students must wear masks, and that's not all.

As CBS2's Marcia Kramer reports, Governor Cuomo might have been channeling a line from the song "New York, New York. If I can make it there, I can make it it anywhere," when he handed down the edict allowing schools to reopen.

"If anybody can open schools, we can open schools," Cuomo said.

The governor, of course, was referring to his success in facing down COVID-19.

LINK: See New York City's Final School Reopening Plan

"Let me say it this way. You can look at infection rate. We are probably in the best situation in the country right now," he said.

But since the governor is a notorious control freak, the green light came with a number of speed bumps to address the high anxiety felt by parents and teachers, Kramer reported.

School districts will have until Aug. 21 to post complete plans for remote learning, COVID testing for teachers and students and contact tracing. School officials will have to hold meetings with parents and teachers to answer questions. And the governor suggested Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza pay particular attention to schools in neighborhoods that experience high rates of infection.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

"Should you have a different strategy for schools in hot spot zip codes? You could argue, yes. I know that I've spoken to a number of teachers who make the point... you bring in kids from hot spot zip code homes, there should be additional precautions," he said.

The governor pointed out that just because schools can open doesn't guarantee people will come.

"As Governor Cuomo noted, parents and teachers must be confident that schools are safe before they reopen. In New York City, that is still an open question," said United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew.

The unions are particularly concerned about procedures for closures, testing and tracing in the event of an outbreak. Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza says he's working with the unions.

"The protocol is going to be when students arrive, their temperatures will be taken. They'll be asked questioned," Carranza said. "If there's one case of a positive confirmed case in a classroom, that classroom and teacher will quarantine for 14 days."

This being Cuomo and de Blasio, there's also disagreement, this time over holding classes outdoors. De Blasio says it's not a reliable situation. Cuomo says it makes sense to the extent you can do it.

New York State United Teachers released this statement:

We have been clear all along: Health and safety is the most important consideration in reopening school buildings. Viral infection rates tell only one part of the story. Many educators and parents have anxiety about local school district reopening plans that have been submitted to the state — if they even have been yet, with 127 districts that didn't bother to submit them by last week and 50 considered incomplete by the state. Among the concerns that remain is the lack of guidance on specific procedures for closure, testing and contact tracing in the event of a COVID-19 case in a school. Right now, there may be some areas where parents and educators are confident in their district's plan, but in many others, we know they aren't. No district should consider themselves ready to reopen buildings until their plans are safe and everything in that plan meant to keep the school community safe is implemented. Being safe means parents and teachers must be confident in the reopening plan, and it is welcome news that districts must meet with parents and teachers this month. We're thankful the governor agrees that forcing people back into the classroom when they feel their health is threatened is not what should happen. So if districts need to phase in the reopening of buildings, so be it. We must err on the side of caution. Period.

You can get the latest news, sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app. Download here.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.