Albany, N.Y. (WBEN) - With just days to go before most school district reopen their doors for the fall semester, New York State is out with some additional clarity on back to school guidance.
The requirements detail a requirement for all teachers, employees and staff to submit to weekly COVID testing unless they produce proof of vaccination via vaccination card or the Excelsior Pass.
The newly released guidance reiterates the mask requirement for students, teachers and staff in school buildings and also recommends three foot distancing be maintained.
The state says the guidance largely tracks with the CDC guidance which districts were advised to follow. It is also intended as a floor and schools have the flexibility to go beyond the guidance.
"We are now issuing guidance to make sure our school staff are vaccinated or tested regularly for themselves and their families, our students, and our communities," said Governor Kathy Hochul in announcing the guidance.
There is also strict guidance that applies to school buses and transportation. Students and drivers must wear masks on school buses, including on buses operated by public and private school systems, regardless of vaccination status, subject to applicable exclusions and exemptions.
Read the complete up to date return to school guidance here:
