Reactions are rolling in following New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s lifting of the school mask mandate on Sunday, February 27.
“We welcome this step toward normalcy. The governor is striking the right balance by empowering local officials to use data to determine if and when the mitigation strategies need to change in their areas. As the guidance changes, one thing must remain constant: It’s essential that districts work closely with educators to ensure there is confidence in their health and safety plans,” reads a statement from the New York State United Teachers Union (NYSUT).
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Still, not every response has been so supportive of Gov. Hochul’s decision. Teachers and parents alike are concerned that COVID-19 infection rates will rise as a result of the school mask mandate being lifted.
“I recognize that having the masks off is going to create a situation where people are going to get sick again. This is the first time I’ve gone through a period of time without getting sick but at the same time I’m worried about getting sick from a disease that caused a worldwide pandemic,” said Rochester City School District elementary teacher Jason Valenti, according to News10 NBC.
Gov. Hochul has expressed her commitment to put the mask mandate back in place if the data warrants such action in the future.
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