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New York City has announced the COVID safety protocols for the new school year, starting next month.
Masks will be required inside city schools at all times, with no exceptions for vaccinated people.
Additionally, every school will test at least 10 percent of their population for COVID twice per month. Anyone who tests positive will be required to quarantine for at least 10 days. Students who test positive will learn remotely.
Schools will only close if there is widespread transmission among students and/or staff.
Every classroom will be provided two air purifiers and students must be seated at least three feet apart.
The new requirements come as Mayor Bill de Blasio makes a push to get young people in the city vaccinated against COVID. The city is offering a $100 incentive to students and local PTA for every child who gets a shot.
City teachers are being required to get at least one dose of the COVID vaccine by next month.
The COVID vaccine is available to everyone ages 12 and over in NYC. Find a vaccination site near you at NYC.gov/vaccinelocation.