Governor of New York, Kathy Hokul, greets supporters at the New York Democratic Party Convention in New York on Thursday, February 17, 2022. (AP Photo / Seth Wenig)
Starting Wednesday, mask requirements for schools throughout the state have been lifted. Governor Kathy Hokul made a presentation on Sunday, noting that the number of cases of COVID-19 is on the decline significantly.
On January 10, Hochul stated that the positive rate for COVID testing in New York was 23.2%. As of Saturday, that number was only 1.7%. Children under the age of 18 are just as important. During the same 51 days, the number of pediatric cases decreased from 14,167 to 229.
“We are at the lowest point in pediatric cases.” Hochul said.
Mask requirements remain in health care and adult care facilities, correction facilities, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and all public transport, including buses, trains, and planes, while the requirements are lifted at school. ..
Hochul’s decision was made near the end of the week-long winter vacation in many school districts. Students will return to class today.
“This is no longer an obligation” She noted that individual school districts and parents could continue to choose to use facial coverings, if circumstances permit. “This is a very good news announcement.”
She also published “thank you” We thank all districts, managers, teachers, parents and children for their patience on this issue. This is a controversial issue in some districts.
Rockport Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt Announces “A long postponed victory for children and parents, educators, and common sense.” He also called for the end of a state-wide emergency that has been taking place since March 2020.
“It’s time to regain check and balance, and make sure the governor can’t do this again.” He said. “We need to empower people, not politicians.”
Andy Parotta, President of United Teachers, New York, said the decision was a step towards success. “The governor strikes the right balance by allowing local governments to use the data to determine if and when mitigation strategies need to change in their area. I’m taking it. “ He said. “One thing needs to be kept constant as guidance changes. It is imperative that the district work closely with educators to ensure that they are confident in their health and safety plans. “
Early in his speech, Hokur also signed a presidential order to join President Joe Biden with economic sanctions against Russia for an attack on Ukraine. “We no longer allow New York companies to do business with Russian entities.” She said.
Hochul said Empire State is home to the largest Ukrainian population in the United States. “They are an important part of New York State’s structure.” She said, “Therefore, the attack on their country is really an attack on all of us.”
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