Dozens of teachers and school staff rallied outside the Barclays Center Wednesday to call for help in dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks in school buildings. 

Teachers from a caucus of the United Federation of Teachers called “MORE” say that while the city claims schools are safe, the Department of Education isn’t doing enough to stop the spread. 

They brought a list of demands to the table, including more quality masks for school staff and students. 

They also want weekly testing and more transparency in the results. 

For schools with outdated ventilation systems, they’re asking for replacements and want the city to provide remote learning options.

They are also asking to excuse student absences if parents choose to keep their kids home during the surge and calling for a week of remote learning to help flatten the curve. 

News 12 reached out to the Department of Education and they responded with a statement saying, “Every school is open today because our Stay Safe, Stay Open plan is working. That plan ramped up testing sites, distributed 1.5 million rapid test kits to students and staff, provided all staff members with KN95 masks, and encouraged all our community members to get tested over break to identify cases. It’s the most ambitious school opening plan in the country, and it keeps our schools the safest place for New York City kids.”