Gov. Cuomo Reopens All Schools in Red and Orange Zones

By Yehudit Garmaise

  Gov. Andrew Cuomo just announced that all schools in the red and orange zones can reopen, provided that the schools initiate mass testing before doing so, and then continue to provide weekly surveillance testing of all the students, faculty, and staff.

  New York state will provide free rapid-result tests kits to schools, so that they can reopen immediately.

  "After weeks of pleading and advocating that our kids must go back to school, I am glad that Governor Cuomo has heard our call,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, who represents the 48th Assembly District. “Countless studies and data samples have shown that it is possible to ensure a healthy and safe school environment for our children and school staff. There is no question that this is a step forward in guaranteeing    our children the education that they need and deserve." 

   The red and the orange zones are micro-clusters that previously showed spikes of COVID-19 positivity that influenced Gov. Cuomo to initiative stricter precautions, such as the shutting down of schools and non-essential business, and reducing the maximum capacity for houses of worship, for these areas on Oct. 7.

(Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)