New York City Public Schools Doing Away With ‘2-Case Rule’ For Coronavirus-Related Closures

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — New York City public schools are doing away with the so-called “two-case rule” for coronavirus-related closures, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday.

“We will be replacing the two-case rule, and in the coming days we will be announcing a replacement rule,” the mayor said Monday, without providing any details about the future plan.

Schools had been forced to shut down for 10 days of mandatory cleaning if two or more cases were detected. The Department of Education said there were 104 schools closed Monday under the rule.

Good news! We are extending the deadline to switch to in-person learning! @NYCschools families have now until April 9 to submit their request online at https://t.co/3iKeZOaPLQ or by phone at 311. pic.twitter.com/30mlsAt7Il

— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) April 5, 2021

“Without interruptions due to building closures, teachers will be able to continue to connect more deeply with their students and better understand their academic needs,” Schools Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter added. “As a parent, there will be more consistency of in-person instruction, as we allow for more stability in our system.”

“The way to beat COVID is not by closing schools excessively, but by suppressing transmission both inside and outside of schools through a focus on the fundamentals – hand washing, distancing, ventilation, masking, testing and getting vaccinated,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi.

De Blasio also said the final opt-in window for students to return to in-person learning this school year has been extended to Friday. Click here for more on how to enroll.

source https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/04/05/nyc-schools-two-case-rule/