New York schools resume work: how it will be and what you need to know

Children in New York City are finally back at school desks. About what innovations students will face, the edition writes CNN.

Finally, the country's largest school district opens the doors of classrooms for primary school students, and also offers distance learning for those who have chosen this format in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has long been pushing for 1,1 million students and 75 teachers to return to school. However, the start of the new school year was postponed several times due to disagreements between the authorities and the teachers' unions.

Last week preschoolers and some children with special needs were allowed to return to the buildings. pupils secondary и the elders schools will be able to return to full-time education Thursday, October 1.

At least 150 New York City schools have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Department of Education.

“In a pandemic, we put human health first by rapidly identifying and isolating carriers of the virus to prevent further transmission,” said Education Department spokeswoman Miranda Barbot. "Beginning in October, all schools will have mandatory monthly randomized testing to keep transmission low and our communities safe."

Concerns about outbreaks

New York today stands out significantly from other American cities, where most of the largest school districts have chosen to start the school year entirely distance learning.

Schoolchildren in New York City will face a number of changes when they return to their desks. So, at the entrance to the premises, you will need to undergo a full examination. The inside of the building has also changed: they have been modernized in such a way as to provide greater social distance between people. Protocols have also been created to close classrooms or multiple areas in case someone is diagnosed with the coronavirus.

On the subject: How schools will work in New York: calendar for the upcoming school year

The overall percentage of positive test results for COVID-19 across New York City is around 1%. But in parts of Queens and Brooklyn that have recently seen a spike in new infections, the rate is as high as 17%.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Monday September 28 that the state will provide 200 rapid test machines to areas where outbreaks have been identified and urged schools to request such machines if needed.

“We will be doing tests daily to keep track of New York City schools,” he said. “We will act prudently based on the numbers, but I understand the concerns of the school principals union, so we will do it with extreme care.”

On Sunday, September 27, the city teachers' union expressed unanimous vote of no confidence to the Mayor of New York and the Chancellor of Schools and called on the state's Department of Education to intervene.

Cuomo assured that the state will take action if necessary.

“What we are seeing now in Brooklyn requires careful study. But data is the key, and we will act based on it, ”the governor said.