BKW parents and staff,
On Friday, June 4, the New York State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Howard A. Zucker, issued a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) which indicated that, absent information from the CDC to the contrary, effective Monday, June 7, New York State public schools may lift the mask wearing requirement for students, staff, and visitors on school property. As of today’s date, the CDC has not responded to this letter.
Since the issuance of this letter, the New York State Education Department issued the following clarification:
SED has been in communication with Executive staff regarding the letter 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.
Based on this clarification, the requirement for masks in schools has not changed. Further, the requirement to wear masks will continue, unless and until the CDC responds to Dr. Zucker’s letter.
As this matter continues to evolve, we will promptly update you with any changes. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and your dedication to the health and well-being of our students and staff.
“Patience and discipline has gotten us this far through COVID,” said Superintendent of Schools, Timothy Mundell. “We will wait to receive further guidance from the state before any changes are made.”