Gov. Hochul directing state Dept. of Health to implement universal masking for all who enter NY schools

In her first formal address to New Yorkers, newly sworn in Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday that she is directing the state Department of Health to implement "universal masking for all who enter our schools."

News 12 Staff

Aug 24, 2021, 7:33 PM

Updated 1,207 days ago

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While Gov. Kathy Hochul did not make any vaccine mandates Tuesday, she did direct the Department of Health to implement a universal mask mandate for anyone entering schools.
She also  said New York "needs to require vaccinations for all school personnel with an option to test out weekly, at least for now." She signaled further updates on that could follow.
Starting soon - maybe even this week - teachers, students, janitors and visitors may have to wear masks inside schools.
The teachers union presidents in Greenburgh, Yonkers and New Rochelle all say they are on board.
They say masks are the best way to prevent frequent and disruptive needs to quarantine.
"Priority number one: we get children back to school and protect the environment so they can learn, and everyone is safe," said Hochul.
Not everyone is thrilled about Hochul's stance.
Several times this summer, parents have rallied in Dutchess, Rockland and Putnam counties for no masks in schools.
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