Buffalo, NY (WBEN) There is continued pressure on schools across New York to take the next step in reopening, allowing more students inside classrooms and turning the corner from a reliance on remote learning. Thos pressures come with continued warnings from political and public health leaders that inherent risks still remain.
Erie County leaders say while no location is foolproof, schools are safe if proper protocols are taken. This in response to an increase in COVID cases among children brought up during Tuesday's weekly briefing.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says he didn't want people to think schools were 100 percent fool-proof. "We've seen transmission in schools for a number of months. I don't know who's saying they're all safe, but schools are not 100 percent fail-safe," says Poloncarz. "There's transmission now so it's important for the public to remember that."
Burstein says schools can be safe if the right protocols are taken. "They're safe if kids are socially distanced. They're safe if they're wearing masks. They're safe if they wash their hands," says Burstein. She notes there are people in a setting who do become infected, but if the guidelines are followed, transmission within the schools can be prevented.
Burstein says there are other ways kids could get COVID. "We see a lot of transmission within youth sports. Sometimes, kids have no idea where they go infected," says Burstein. She adds there are cases in small businesses, and some teens have part-time jobs.
Burstein says the key is to remain vigilant.
