Some parents and teachers have called for virtual learning during the Omicron outbreak, but Mayor Eric Adams says new case data shows the city's plan to keep schools open is working.

Mayor Adams and city schools Chancellor David Banks held a news conference Tuesday on the state of New York City schools. The city has been using the "test to stay" plan which relies heavily on testing. Under this plan, students can return to classes even if they were exposed as long as they test negative with a city-provided at-home rapid test.

Mayor Adams said the city has given out 4.5 million at-home rapid kits so far. Those kits have found 25,000 positive cases. The city was then able to isolate those cases before infections spread in the classroom. He says these numbers show the plan is working.

"I don't want anyone to get this mixed up. Our schools are going to remain open. We are not going to do anything that is going to stop our children from coming into schools," he said.

The mayor says 16 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in New York City, including 2.5 million boosters.