NYC Re-opens Their Schools While the Covid Outbreak Worsens

On December 7, 2020, NYC reopened their school again for 191,000 students to return after being closed on November 18th. Mayor Bill de Blasio had said that if parents signed their kids up for hybrid learning, the student would be losing their seat as they are trying to free up space for other students that are attending in-person learning. De Blasio believes that too many students are “holding” their seats, because many have been signed up for in-person learning but then attending school remotely. 

On Monday December 7th, Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a virtual news conference, “This is a good day for New York City…” The Mayor was very happy about the schools reopening again. De Blasio had even visited an elementary school in the Bronx. He said, “Even with a mask on, you could see the smiles.” During these difficult times wearing a mask for a kid is hard, but they still manage to smile through it all. 

It was very surprising news to hear that NYC schools were re-opening because of the rise in Covid-19 cases in the city. ABC News reported, “The rate of positive tests is now around 5%, according to the city's figures…”  Even with this news Bill de Blasio still decided it was safe to reopen schools in the city. Governor Cuomo also believes that with low positivity rates it will be easy to control the spread of Covid, said in an op-ed piece, “We know how a virus spreads.” He believes if everyone follows the public health guidelines, they will be safe. Students will be required to wear a mask and their temperature will be taken before entering the school. 

Cuomo also said that in order to make sure no one at home gets sick, social distancing and wearing a mask will continue to be in effect in order to  prevent spreading the disease.  Cuomo also explained in the op-ed piece that, “The students and teachers wear masks. They practice social distancing. They frequently wash their hands.”  He says the main way to control the spread is to be smart and disciplined. 

District 75, a school for students with special needs has also reopened. They reopened today December 10, 2020. More than 20,000 students returned to school today. Mayor Bill de Blasio is very confident in keeping the schools open all throughout the distribution of the vaccine. In an Eyewitness News article he said, “And I believe we are going to have our schools open all the way, to the point we link up with the widespread distribution of the vaccine.”

Even though the city has reopened their primary and elementary schools, it has not yet been said when school will open for students in middle and high school. With all that has happened with Covid it is a major  accomplishment to reopen some schools in the city.