Mask mandates can be up to schools, Blakeman order says
Blakeman signs order letting school districts choose on mask mandates
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in Mineola Thursday, signs multiple executive orders pertaining to mask mandates. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
The order Blakeman signed on Thursday argues — without medical evidence — that masking children "may lead to negative health and societal ramifications" and forcing children to wear face coverings could inhibit breathing and lead to other long-term medical problems.
"Parents have a fundamental right to make health care decisions on behalf of their children," said Blakeman, a Republican who took office this week. "Government may not infringe upon these rights without a compelling reason. School boards are comprised of elected officials who make decisions based upon the unique circumstances of each district. They are in the best position to make these decisions, not an autocracy in Albany."
Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, signed an order in August requiring everyone in schools to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.
Read more about Blakeman's order.
Meanwhile, it was the first week back from winter break and thousands of students stayed out of school, officials said Tuesday. Some districts reported a high student absence rate largely due to sickness or virus-related quarantine.
How many cases have been reported in schools? See a breakdown by each district, according to data from the state COVID-19 Report Card system.
Plus: We have updated guides for where to look if you need a booster shot or a COVID-19 test.
The number of new positives reported today: 6,983 in Nassau, 6,977 in Suffolk, 46,158 in New York City and 84,202 statewide.
This chart shows the COVID-19 positivity rates in New York City and in the state from Dec. 1 to Tuesday.
Check how many new cases are reported across Long Island, and see charts showing trends in vaccinations, testing, hospitalizations, deaths and more on our data page.
See more coronavirus headlines below.
Erin Serpico is an assistant web producer who joined Newsday in November 2018. Originally from New Jersey, she now covers community events and produces local content for newsday.com while also helping run the homepage.
