Schools in the state are still waiting for directions in the mask mandate from the state as the CDC changes their guidelines amid a rise in outbreaks.
Currently, 97% of hospitalizations related to the virus are among unvaccinated individuals.
According to a letter from the State Department of Education, any guidance they provide will be reliant on CDC recommendations.
The guidelines released by the CDC say all people, regardless of vaccination status, should wear masks in areas that have high vaccination rates. Students should wear masks upon returning to school.
Right now Yates, Livingston, Orleans, and Wayne County have over 40% of their population not vaccinated even though they’re eligible.
Many parents feel that it’s important for their children to return to school in the fall for their mental health.
In Wayne County, new cases remained under ten weekly until July when it went up to 31.
Students and teachers in the county that participated in summer activities did not wear masks, and the Wayne Teachers Association said they have yet to have an outbreak.
Officials are urging students that are eligible for the vaccine and plan to return to in-person learning this fall to get it.
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