Mayor de Blasio Closes Public Schools Starting Tomorrow

By Yehudit Garmaise

New York City Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza just sent an e-mail to the city’s 1,700 public schools that the Department of Education is temporarily closing down all public school buildings for in-person learning, starting tomorrow, Nov. 19.  “The state sets the ultimate guidance related to non-public schools,” the mayor explained. 

   While Gov. Andrew Cuomo decides, based on the rates of COVID-19 positivity in the micro-cluster areas, whether schools should remain open or closed, one realm in which non-public schools must take responsibility is the administration of the testing of their students, teachers, and staffs.

   “This action, along with other city-wide measures, is a key component to address the concerning rise in COVID-19 transmission rates,” Chancellor Carranza wrote. “The Close of buildings is temporary; we will work diligently alongside other city agencies and every New Yorker to bring this transmission rate back down and get back to in-person learning as quickly and as safely as possible.”

  Mayor Bill de Blasio just tweeted, “New York City has reached the 3% testing positivity 7-day average threshold. 

   “Unfortunately, this means public school buildings will be closed as of tomorrow, Thursday Nov. 19, out an abundance of caution.   We must fight back the second wave of COVID-19.”

   Most likely echoing the attitude of most New York City parents, one Mom tweeted back to the mayor, “You MUST close other things before schools.

    “Keep outdoor dining open, but there is no reason someone is having dinner in a restaurant while my kid learns at home.”

 Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office