In New York state, N95 and Kn95 masks and rapid COVID-19 tests will be sent to school districts upon request at the start of the current 2023-2024 academic year.
The state will conduct an outreach survey this week to ascertain which schools will need the materials, according to a release sent by Governor Kathy Hochul’s office last week. The supplies will then be given to the districts for distribution.
“Thanks to the hard work of New York schools, teachers, and parents, we have come a long way to ensure students can safely return to the classroom,” Hochul said in a statement. “Frequent testing for COVID-19 is an important part of keeping our kids safe and preventing an outbreak, and I will continue working to ensure our school districts have the resources they need to provide a safe, in-person learning environment for our students.”
The governor is also recommending school districts review the latest CDC guidance regarding COVID-19 amid the rise in the new BA.2.86 variant. Hospitalizations are on the rise, but not severe illness.
