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The latest on reopening public schools and life in red and orange zones in NYC

New York State has set “Action Levels” for New York City once it becomes an orange or even red zone which the Mayor expects to reach as early as next week with rising COVID infections in the City.

  • Orange Zone (3% positivity rate): Outdoor dining and take-out only with a maximum 4 people at a table, closing of gyms, nail studios etc, schools remote with “test out” to open

  • Red Zone (4% positivity rate): Dining take out and delivery only (no outdoor dining), essential businesses open only, schools remote with “test out” to open

As of November 19th, all students in public schools in NYC learn remotely. While the City is negotiating reopening criteria with stakeholders and the State, this is what we know so far:

  • In the week after Thanksgiving a plan will be put forward on the reopening of school buildings and this plan will be implemented in the weeks ahead
  • There will be much more testing, students will have to have a testing consent form on file before returning to school, testing will be an ongoing routine for all in public schools
  • Reopening will happen in stages. District 75 schools for children with special needs will be top priority to reopen, followed by 3’s and 4’s Pre-K programs, followed by elementary schools
  • Even in an orange or red zone, schools will be able to reopen under certain criteria including testing

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