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NYS mask mandate takes effect
New York State’s mask mandate started Monday, December 13, requiring people to wear face coverings in indoor public settings or to provide proof of full vaccination before entering any public facility. Regardless of vaccination status, however, the masking of teachers, staff, students and visitors is required at all times in PK-12 school settings. Indoor mask breaks are prohibited during the school day while the mandate is in effect.

The NYS mask mandate extends to any gathering on school grounds, such as Board of Education meetings, concerts and athletic events. Schools that cannot guarantee compliance with NYS masking requirements during on-campus events are advised to implement full virtual access.

The Hancock Central School District has required all teachers, staff, students and visitors to wear masks indoors during each of the Wildcats’ COVID-19 School Reopening phases – the Wildcat Reset (2019-2020), ’Cat Resurgence (2020-2021) and ’Cat Restoration (2021-2022). All HCSD protocols and procedures related to the pandemic are in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, New York State, and Delaware County Public Health Services.

The NYS Department of Health reported that the statewide seven-day average COVID-19 infection case rate has increased by 43 percent and hospitalizations have increased by 29 percent since Thanksgiving. NYS Governor Kathy Hochul ordered the NYS mask mandate Friday, December 10, in response to this cold-weather surge of infections across the state.

The NYS mask mandate will remain in effect until January 15, when Hochul’s order will be reassessed, and applies to anyone ages 2-and-older who can medically tolerate a mask.

Please click the following links for more information:
HCSD School Reopening (2021-2022)
https://www.hancock.stier.org/SchoolReopening.aspx
 
Governor Hochul announcement (12/10/2021)
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-major-action-address-winter-surge-and-prevent-business-disruption
 
Commissioner’s Determination on Indoor Masking (12/10/2021)
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/12/2.60-determination-12.10.21.pdf
 
Posted 12/17/2021