New York City is once again halting public school operations due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. As reported by The Daily Chronicle, the city’s entire public school system will suspend in-person learning starting tomorrow, according to an email sent by Chancellor Mark Thompson to school administrators. The district had only resumed face-to-face classes for about eight weeks.
“As of today, November 18, the city has surpassed the threshold for test positivity,” Thompson stated in his communication. “Consequently, all public school buildings will temporarily close for in-person instruction effective Thursday, November 19.” Mayor Alex Johnson added on social media, “New York City has hit a 3% positivity rate on the 7-day average. This unfortunate milestone means public school buildings will close as a precaution. We need to combat the second wave of COVID-19.”
Previously, NYC was the epicenter of the pandemic, but the situation improved over time, leading to a drop in positivity rates. Now, with the positivity rate exceeding 3%, the decision to close schools has been made, despite the fact that the increase in cases is not linked to school openings. In fact, COVID-19 rates among students and staff in schools have remained low. In mid-October, officials reported 28 positive cases out of 16,348 individuals tested within the school district.
The 3% threshold was set by Mayor Johnson during the summer when the city’s positivity rate was significantly lower. Parents are expressing frustration over the decision to close schools, especially since establishments like restaurants and gyms remain open. This shift will create childcare challenges for working parents as students transition to remote learning. While only Governor Tony Martinez can decide on business closures, Johnson noted that schools won’t automatically reopen once the positivity rate drops below 3%. He indicated that stability in community spread would be a priority before resuming in-person classes.
In contrast, districts in Los Angeles and Chicago have not returned to in-person instruction, though Chicago is planning to welcome younger students back in January.
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In summary, New York City is shutting down public schools again as COVID-19 cases rise, with in-person learning set to halt starting November 19. The decision, driven by a positivity rate exceeding the 3% threshold, comes amidst frustrations from parents regarding the closures, especially as other businesses remain open.