NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The winter break isn't the only reason public schools in New York City are temporarily closing—over 200 buildings have been temporarily shuttered as COVID cases among student and staff are investigated.
A total of 292 city school buildings were closed as of Thursday morning, according to Department of Education data, which showed 145 positive cases—62 students and 83 staff—as of Wednesday evening.
There were 249 school buildings currently in a two-week closure, while another 43 were shut down for 24 hours, the data shows.
A red dot indicates a building that has been closed, while a blue dot indicates one or more classrooms in a building that has been closed.Department of Education
Under DOE rules, school buildings are closed for 24 hours when two or more COVID cases are reported in a seven-day period. The school is closed for two weeks if contact tracers are unable to find a link between the infections.
However, between community-based organizations and district schools, there were still 2,850 3k/pre-k through 5th grade and D75 schools open for in-person learning. Over 400 Learning Bridges childcare centers, included in the above buildings, were also open for in-person learning.
In a statement, DOE spokeswoman Miranda Barbot told 1010 WINS: "As the City beats back a second wave, it's important to remember that public health officials do not find schools pose any greater risk of COVID-19 transmission to students and staff and has not been the source of any widespread outbreaks. We are working around the clock to quickly investigate and address any positives that arise, and do not hesitate to enact a temporary building closure in order to stop any potential spread within the school community."
The winter break began Thursday and last until New Year's Day.
