The Department of Education released new protocols Thursday to handle any possible confirmed cases of coronavirus in schools this coming year.
The DOE plan states that if one or more students in the same class test positive, their classrooms will close and anyone who has had close contact with those students should be quarantined for 14 days.
If two or more children at the same school test positive for the virus but do not share a classroom, the entire building will close for two weeks.
If at least two cases arise in the same building but the infections occurred outside of the school, the DOE will also close the entire building while investigating the source of the exposures.
Once testing of those cases is complete, the school will reopen, while the affected classrooms will remain closed for two weeks. Other students and staff will be quarantined depending on where the exhibition took place.
If tracing efforts cannot determine the source of the infection, schools will automatically close for 14 days.
Children who are forced to leave the classroom due to exposure will transition to remote learning.
“We are doing everything in our power to keep children healthy while ensuring that they receive the education they deserve,” Mayor de Blasio said in a statement.
“These rigorous testing and tracking protocols will keep our students and staff safe as we begin this new school year.”
The DOE said it will encourage all school staff to be tested in the days leading up to the scheduled start on September 10 of the new year and will be prioritized at 34 test sites across the city.
If groups emerge, the DOE said it could take more drastic action depending on the circumstances.
The department will also require some type of documentation to consider a confirmed case.
“New Yorkers did the incredibly difficult job of reducing the risk posed by COVID-19, and as a result we are in a better position than any other city in the country to safely resume in-person education under current conditions and with clear protocols consistent health, ”said school chancellor Richard A. Carranza.
Sick students and teachers will be required to stay home and encouraged to be tested if their symptoms are consistent with the coronavirus.
Children who feel unwell at school will be isolated and monitored by a staff member until they can be picked up, authorities said.
Employees showing signs of illness will also be asked to leave their buildings.
The City Council’s reopening plan will have students alternate between the classroom and remote learning.
The format has met with strong resistance from both city teachers and the directors’ union. Both groups have questioned the DOE’s logistical and security readiness.
Mayor de Blasio has pushed for a combined reopening and has emphasized the need to provide some scheduling relief for parents who cannot work remotely.
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