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Uncertainty over quarantine rules sows confusion in runup to start of NYC school year
https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/ny-quarantine-rules-uncertainty-20210819-ythuemjpmfa5bnnjawax7rftaq-story.htmlBy MICHAEL ELSEN-ROONEY
"Uncertainty over quarantine rules and teaching plans for city public school students exposed to COVID-19 cases is sowing confusion weeks before kids return to class.
In-person public school classes start on Sept. 13, but Mayor de Blasio has not spelled out what criteria officials will use to decide when students must isolate at home after exposure to a coronavirus case in class, or how schools will instruct them during quarantine.
The lack of clarity is ratcheting up stress levels for city parents worried about school disruptions. Educators are uncertain how they’ll continue teaching if rolling quarantines interrupt in-person classes.
“I’m pretty sure at least a couple kids are going to be quarantined. I think it would be better to plan for that now,” said Stacie Johnson, the parent of an elementary-schooler in Bushwick, Brooklyn. “They should not be giving us crazy, last-minute changes. Last year was a pretty stressful year.”
Some lawmakers and advocates have criticized the mayor’s decision to offer no remote option for students this school year. They argue such a system would allow students to keep learning while in temporary quarantine.
“That is really irresponsible and outrageous that it is Aug. 19 — principals who should be taking well-deserved time off are waiting for the mayor to kindly come up with a plan,” said City Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Brooklyn), who has called for the city to offer a virtual option for kids under 12 and immunocompromised students.
De Blasio has stayed steadfast in his refusal to continue full-time remote learning, citing the benefits of in-person classes for all kids and the low COVID-19 transmission last year in city schools. Building a citywide remote school would be a major undertaking of staffing and curriculum needs."