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Based on current COVID-19 trajectory, all schools set to reopen for full in-person learning
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday announced that, based on current COVID-19 trajectory, all New York state schools will reopen for full in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year beginning in September.
"Our children lost so much as COVID struck our state. A year of socialization, a year of memories, and even more," Cuomo said. "While teachers and school administrators did an incredible job pivoting to remote learning with virtually zero notice, there's no denying the discrimination students who did not have the right equipment faced. With the way our COVID numbers are currently trending, there is no reason why our students should not get back to in-person learning as usual, and we look forward to welcoming them back. If there is a change in the trajectory of the virus, we will revisit the decision."
In response, New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta stated, “Educators know that being in person is the best way for students to learn and for teachers to teach. We support offering full-time in-person instruction five days a week and await formal guidance for the fall on how districts, working with educators and parents, should craft their plans to bring all students back to the classroom.”
New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.
New Vaccine Incentive Providing Free Two-Day Pass to Any New York State Park to Those Vaccinated May 24-31
Cuomo also announced every person who gets vaccinated with either a first dose, or single dose of Johnson & Johnson, anywhere in New York between May 24 and 31, is eligible to receive a free two-day pass to any state park (valid through Sept. 30). Passes can be picked up at any state park.
The announcement was made at Jones Beach State Park, where the already-operational mass-vaccination site will offer the same incentive for those who receive their eligible vaccination. Additionally, 15 state parks will host pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites on a first-come, first-served basis utilizing the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
"Every state park across New York is as unique and beautiful as the region it serves, and bringing the COVID vaccine to our parks will further expand access and make it even easier for New Yorkers to get vaccinated," Cuomo said. "Providing those who get vaccinated with a free park pass is an incredible summer-season incentive, and a great way to get more people outdoors to enjoy all that New York has to offer."
Vaccinations sites will be offered at the following new pop-up sites:
A visitor can show confirmation of their eligible vaccination at any of New York's 181 state parks to receive their pass. Passes can be used for parking and beach and pool privileges throughout the state's parks network, which includes 67 beaches and 35 pool and splash pads.
Learn more about the state park system here.