As of March 19th, New York City public schools have adopted new COVID-19 guidelines, ending the five-day quarantine requirement for students and staff who test positive for the virus. This policy shift follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated recommendations, signaling a significant change in the city’s approach to managing COVID-19 in educational settings.
Under the new guidelines, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 but are asymptomatic can now attend school, provided they adhere to certain precautions such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing for at least five days upon their return. Those exhibiting symptoms are advised to stay home until they improve and are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication. This decision mirrors the broader trend of easing COVID-related restrictions, treating the virus more akin to other respiratory infections like the flu and RSV.
This adjustment in policy marks another step toward normalcy in New York City schools, reflecting a decrease in COVID-19 cases citywide. Health officials emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant while adapting to the evolving pandemic landscape. The updated protocols aim to balance public health concerns with the educational needs of students, allowing for a more flexible response to COVID-19 that acknowledges the role of vaccinations and natural immunity in controlling the spread.
Natalya Murakhver, co-founder of Restore Childhood, has been vocal about wanting kids in schools since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked for a comment on the new protocols, Murakhver said, “When will New York City actually start following the science rather than politics? We are in the midst of a chronic absenteeism crisis. 36% of New York City public school students were chronically absent last school year missing at least 10% of the year and up until today we have given them more reasons not to show up at school.”
She continued, “COVID-19 must be treated as any other upper respiratory virus. If you are sick, stay home. If you’re well, come to school. Kids belong in school. Not at home in front of electronics.”
Moreover, NYC public schools will continue offering COVID-19 tests upon request, maintaining a layer of surveillance despite the federal government and the city’s public libraries ending their free test distribution programs. Additionally, the United Federation of Teachers has announced that staff will still be eligible for up to 10 days of COVID-related leave without tapping into their personal sick days for this academic year, providing support for educators amidst the policy changes.
The gradual loosening of COVID-19 measures in schools comes as part of a wider effort to manage the virus through targeted interventions rather than broad mandates, reflecting a shift in public health strategy as the city navigates the post-pandemic era. These changes underscore the ongoing challenge of balancing health risks with the Imperative to ensure uninterrupted learning and social development for students across New York City.
