Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that New York is aligning with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in lessening COVID-19 restrictions as the school year begins. 

“This year we have a different scenario, a different landscape…and we expect it to be a much, much easier year for parents and for schools,” the governor said. 

This means the state is dropping its “test-to-stay,” policy, which would send whole classes home after one student tested positive. 

Under the relaxed guidelines, a student or teacher who is exposed to COVID-19 can stay in school as long as they don't have symptoms. Masks are still recommended for 10 days after exposure. 

If a student tests positive, they must stay home for five days. They can return after they test negative but must wear a mask. 

The state will also stop random screen testing in schools 

Karen Cunningham, of Levittown, says her daughter is happy about the changes coming to her high school.

“For them to just be around each other super close -  she missed that for sure. So now it's back to normal,” she says.

Some college students told News 12 they’re still going to take precautions, especially with the outbreak of monkeypox on Long Island. 

"Definitely nervous, but I heard the [monkeypox] vaccine is starting to go out," says college student Anna Friedman, of Syosset.

The state announced the monkeypox vaccine will be administered differently, which means only one-fifth of the vaccine dose is needed to provide enough of an immune response and allows more individuals to receive it.