Masking Requirement per NYSDOH (PDF)

Face Masks:

Responsible Parties must maintain protocols and procedures for students, faculty, staff, and other individuals to ensure appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to protect against the transmission of the COVID-19 virus when on school grounds and in school facilities. Specifically, appropriate PPE means, at least, an acceptable mask, which is required to be worn by all individuals in all classroom and non-classroom settings, including but not limited to hallways, school offices, restrooms, gyms, auditoriums, etc. All visitors must wear masks. Masks should have at least two layers of material (e.g. 2-ply). However, Responsible Parties should allow students to remove their mask during meals. Acceptable masks include but are not limited to cloth-based masks (e.g., homemade sewn, quick cut,), and surgical masks that cover both the mouth and nose. Please refer to the updated Face Masks and Coverings for COVID-19 for recommendations on how to wear masks, how to improve mask protection, a list of which masks are NOT recommended, as well as how individuals can protect themselves while putting on and taking off a mask.

Masks

• Face masks are required at all times, except for meals
  • Responsible Parties will need to consider and address developmental appropriateness, feasibility, and ability to implement such policy in a safe, consistent manner.
• Students who are unable to medically tolerate a mask, including students where such mask would impair their physical health or mental health are not subject to the required use of a mask.
• Responsible Parties should offer assistance to students who may have difficulty in adapting to wearing a mask.
• Responsible Parties must train all students, faculty, and staff on how to adequately put on, take off, clean (as applicable), and discard PPE, including but not limited to, appropriate masks. This training should be extended to contractors and vendors, if the Responsible Parties will be supplying the contractors and vendors with PPE.

In consideration of the highlighted portion of the requirement, schools are encouraged to offer mask breaks for students. When mask breaks are given, all other safety protocol, especially physical distancing, must be observed.

Guidance for masks breaks includes the following:

• During Snack (up to 15 minutes) and Lunch (up to 30 minutes) times.
• During other times (5-10 minutes) throughout the day when students are seated (inside or outside) – times determined by the teacher
• While sipping water (few seconds)
• During PE and Recess (5-10 minutes) when students are stationary and 6 feet apart.
• In the classroom, students may take individual, spontaneous breaks (1 min or less) as needed when stationary (seated at their desk) and 6 feet apart.

Regarding PE and other Outdoor Events:

• Teachers/Staff must be extremely vigilant toward the health and safety of students when performing exercise in extreme heat. Teachers should use their best discretion in providing frequent mask breaks for students, especially during times of physical activity.
• Students must be instructed on how to recognize the signs of overheating and know how and when to give themselves a break during such events. Younger children will require structured and more frequent breaks if they are unable to recognize these signs on their own.
• Space for mask breaks must be provided during these activities. This includes access to a location where students can remain both stationary and six feet apart from other individuals.
• Access to individual water bottles is recommended during all outdoor events and activities.