Masks are no longer a requirement for students, teachers, and staff of Catholic schools in within the Archdiocese of New York. While there are many people looking to say goodbye to their face coverings, not all COVID-19 health guidelines will be thrown to the side.

Students will still need to get tested and stay at home if they show signs of COVID-19, social distancing will still continue to be practiced in these schools, and anybody returning to the school following a positive test will need to wear a mask for the following four days after their five-day isolation.

While Gov. Kathy Hochul lifted the mask mandate for schools across the state, the decision will remain in the hands of the schools. Mayor Eric Adams says that if COVID-19 rates remain low, New York City public schools may lift their school mask mandate as early as March 7.

One exception to the Catholic school mask mandate removal – students in the NYC-funded pre-K and pre-K4 programs will need to keep their masks on while at school.