Masks off at LI schools — but not for everyone
How the first day of school went with the state mask mandate lifted
Children during dismissal at Aquebogue Elementary School, where the mask mandate was lifted on Wednesday. Credit: Randee Daddona
Many students arrived at school with smiles on their faces. Others, and their parents, were walking to school Wednesday morning with masks on, a sign that concerns about COVID-19 persist.
At Northwest Elementary School in Amityville, some parents and children wore masks, but others, lining up outside or waiting in cars, didn't.
Cristina Arroyo, of Valley Stream, said she sent both of her children to school wearing masks.
"We had a talk about this," said Arroyo, whose kids attend South High School and Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary School. "We decided they will keep on masks for the time being and see how things go."
See how the first day of the lifted mandate went.
We reported earlier in the week that parents had mixed reactions about sending their kids back to school without masks.
Plus, mask mandates in college: SUNY schools and other colleges and universities are ending mask mandates and relaxing other protocols, too.
The number of new positives reported today: 181 in Nassau, 165 in Suffolk, 926 in New York City and 2,444 statewide.
This chart shows the number of new coronavirus cases confirmed each day.
Search a map of new cases and view charts showing the latest local trends in vaccinations, testing, hospitalizations, deaths and more.
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.
