ALBANY- The state is making COVID-19 rapid test kits and masks available to school districts by request following reports of the new BA.2.86 variant and a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations this summer.
“Thanks to the hard work of New York schools, teachers, and parents, we have come a long way to ensure students can safely return to the classroom,” Governor Hochul said. “Frequent testing for COVID-19 is an important part of keeping our kids safe and preventing an outbreak, and I will continue working to ensure our school districts have the resources they need to provide a safe, in-person learning environment for our students.”
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Governor Hochul is recommending schools follow Center for Disease Control guidance including promote vaccination and testing, encourage students, teachers, and faculty to stay home if they are sick and exhibiting symptoms. Schools are also encouraged to optimize ventilation systems and maintain improvements to indoor air quality.
