NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- New York City high schools are set to resume in-person learning later this month Mayor Bill de Blasio and incoming Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter announced during a briefing on Monday.
"High Schools will reopen on Monday, March 22 in New York City and we're really excited about this," de Blasio said.
Beginning March 18, teachers and staff will be able to enter school buildings and begin preparing classrooms, Porter said.
"With a .57% positivity rate, our schools are the safest place to be and we are ready to reopen schools to our High Schoolers," she added.
Approximately half of city high schools will offer in-person learning five days a week to all or a majority of its students.
55,000 students who had previously opted in will be able to return for in-person learning in 488 schools.
The mayor also announced that all sports will be returning with "strict safety protocols."
There will be a "heavy emphasis in moving sports outdoors," as sports return early April de Blasio said, adding that PSAL will be extending its sports season into August.