Two schools in Cayuga County have changed their policy to allow students to take off masks while seated inside classrooms where desks are six feet apart.
The Cato-Meridian and Weedsport districts made the change after positive COVID-19 tests. While it might seem like an outlier of a decision, state data shows that approximately 30% of districts aren’t mandating masks inside the classroom.
Syracuse.com reports that in Onondaga County three districts opted for non-mandatory mask rules in classrooms. Those included Jordan-Elbridge, LaFayette and Skaneateles.
New York’s position is that if students and teachers can remain socially distant in the classroom, then it’s up to the individual district to build mask rules. NYSUT, who represents teachers across New York have asked for stringent guidelines across the board to keep teachers safe.
Officials in the Weedsport district believe they are doing the right thing to encourage in-person learning through the fall and winter. “We believe we are increasing the likelihood for in-person school by making adjustments,” Cato-Meridian Superintendent Terry Ward told Syracuse.com.
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