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N.Y.C. Closes Schools for Academic Year, but Cuomo Says It’s His Decision N.Y.C. Closes Schools for Academic Year, but Cuomo Says It’s His Decision
(about 7 hours later)
New York City’s public schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year because of the coronavirus, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Saturday, confirming a disastrous scenario that he had previously warned of: more than three months of regular schooling for 1.1 million children would be lost.New York City’s public schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year because of the coronavirus, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Saturday, confirming a disastrous scenario that he had previously warned of: more than three months of regular schooling for 1.1 million children would be lost.
Roughly 1,800 schools across the city’s five boroughs have scrambled to adjust to remote learning since they were initially shuttered on March 16, a sudden shift that has presented educators with perhaps the largest challenge of their careers and turned well over one million parents into part-time teachers.Roughly 1,800 schools across the city’s five boroughs have scrambled to adjust to remote learning since they were initially shuttered on March 16, a sudden shift that has presented educators with perhaps the largest challenge of their careers and turned well over one million parents into part-time teachers.
The first few weeks of online learning have already transformed the relationships among the city’s students, parents and educators, who have come to rely on one another in ways unfathomable even a month ago.The first few weeks of online learning have already transformed the relationships among the city’s students, parents and educators, who have come to rely on one another in ways unfathomable even a month ago.
“Lord knows, having to tell you that we cannot bring our schools back for the remainder of this school year is painful,” Mr. de Blasio said during a news conference. “But I can also tell you, it’s the right thing to do.”“Lord knows, having to tell you that we cannot bring our schools back for the remainder of this school year is painful,” Mr. de Blasio said during a news conference. “But I can also tell you, it’s the right thing to do.”
The extended closure in the nation’s largest school district marks a somber milestone for the most disruptive moment to American education in a generation. Mayors and governors across the country are weighing urgent public health concerns against the incalculable losses that vulnerable children in particular face when schools are shut down.The extended closure in the nation’s largest school district marks a somber milestone for the most disruptive moment to American education in a generation. Mayors and governors across the country are weighing urgent public health concerns against the incalculable losses that vulnerable children in particular face when schools are shut down.
The mayor said the decision to close schools was made on Friday evening, after he spoke with Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Fauci supported the decision, Mr. de Blasio said.The mayor said the decision to close schools was made on Friday evening, after he spoke with Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Fauci supported the decision, Mr. de Blasio said.
But soon after the mayor ended his news conference on Saturday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at his own press briefing that there had been “no decision” on closing schools in the city or state. He described the mayor’s announcement as Mr. de Blasio’s “opinion.”But soon after the mayor ended his news conference on Saturday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at his own press briefing that there had been “no decision” on closing schools in the city or state. He described the mayor’s announcement as Mr. de Blasio’s “opinion.”
The governor and mayor have been political rivals for years. New York City typically makes its own decisions about school closures, including snow days, though Mr. Cuomo said on Saturday that he had the legal authority to decide when public schools across the state reopen.The governor and mayor have been political rivals for years. New York City typically makes its own decisions about school closures, including snow days, though Mr. Cuomo said on Saturday that he had the legal authority to decide when public schools across the state reopen.
Mr. Cuomo’s aides pointed to last month’s executive order requiring that public schools close, which included a provision that the governor would decide the length of the closures.Mr. Cuomo’s aides pointed to last month’s executive order requiring that public schools close, which included a provision that the governor would decide the length of the closures.
The governor said he wanted to coordinate city schools’ reopening date with the rest of the state and, ideally, with New Jersey and Connecticut. He said a final call was “not going to be decided in the next few days.” Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said on Saturday that “harmony in the region would be a good thing.”The governor said he wanted to coordinate city schools’ reopening date with the rest of the state and, ideally, with New Jersey and Connecticut. He said a final call was “not going to be decided in the next few days.” Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said on Saturday that “harmony in the region would be a good thing.”
Still, it seems highly unlikely that Mr. Cuomo will reopen New York City schools in defiance of Mr. de Blasio. Many other districts across the country have already said they intend to keep schools closed for the academic year.Still, it seems highly unlikely that Mr. Cuomo will reopen New York City schools in defiance of Mr. de Blasio. Many other districts across the country have already said they intend to keep schools closed for the academic year.
During a television appearance on Saturday night, the mayor asserted his power to make decisions about city schools, and said his decision was about keeping students and educators safe.During a television appearance on Saturday night, the mayor asserted his power to make decisions about city schools, and said his decision was about keeping students and educators safe.
“I run the school system,” along with the schools chancellor, Richard A. Carranza, Mr. de Blasio said, citing mayoral control of city schools.“I run the school system,” along with the schools chancellor, Richard A. Carranza, Mr. de Blasio said, citing mayoral control of city schools.
The mayor said that he would work with the governor, but that he did not have responsibility “to another elected official. My responsibility is to those kids.”The mayor said that he would work with the governor, but that he did not have responsibility “to another elected official. My responsibility is to those kids.”
At his earlier news briefing, Mr. de Blasio noted that the city was preparing to reopen schools as scheduled in September, and he emphasized that the next academic year might be the most important in the city’s history.At his earlier news briefing, Mr. de Blasio noted that the city was preparing to reopen schools as scheduled in September, and he emphasized that the next academic year might be the most important in the city’s history.
This fall, he added, would mark “a new era” for the system, with supports to help schoolchildren catch up on lost instruction. But those efforts would come too late for many high school seniors; the mayor said the city was working to ensure that seniors graduate on time, even if there is no graduation ceremony.This fall, he added, would mark “a new era” for the system, with supports to help schoolchildren catch up on lost instruction. But those efforts would come too late for many high school seniors; the mayor said the city was working to ensure that seniors graduate on time, even if there is no graduation ceremony.
Though some parents have asked whether schools could reopen during the summer break, Mr. de Blasio said that was not likely. The city’s teachers union, the United Federation of Teachers, has signaled that it would not support opening schools in July or August.Though some parents have asked whether schools could reopen during the summer break, Mr. de Blasio said that was not likely. The city’s teachers union, the United Federation of Teachers, has signaled that it would not support opening schools in July or August.
Unions for the city’s principals and its teachers released statements in support of keeping schools closed. Mr. de Blasio said educators’ ability to abruptly switch to remote learning would be remembered as one of the “heroic passages” of the coronavirus crisis.Unions for the city’s principals and its teachers released statements in support of keeping schools closed. Mr. de Blasio said educators’ ability to abruptly switch to remote learning would be remembered as one of the “heroic passages” of the coronavirus crisis.
Early last month, Mr. de Blasio faced pressure from parents and teachers to close schools as the virus began its spread through New York City. After first resisting, the mayor ultimately shut the system, saying, “This is not something in a million years I could have imagined having to do.”Early last month, Mr. de Blasio faced pressure from parents and teachers to close schools as the virus began its spread through New York City. After first resisting, the mayor ultimately shut the system, saying, “This is not something in a million years I could have imagined having to do.”
The political squabbling between the governor and the mayor on Saturday was reminiscent of their handling of the initial shutdown of the city’s schools in mid-March. On the morning of March 15, both Mr. Cuomo and Mr. de Blasio were resisting closures. But in the afternoon, Mr. Cuomo appeared on CNN a few minutes before Mr. de Blasio’s scheduled news conference to say the schools would temporarily shutter. A few minutes later, the mayor announced the same.The political squabbling between the governor and the mayor on Saturday was reminiscent of their handling of the initial shutdown of the city’s schools in mid-March. On the morning of March 15, both Mr. Cuomo and Mr. de Blasio were resisting closures. But in the afternoon, Mr. Cuomo appeared on CNN a few minutes before Mr. de Blasio’s scheduled news conference to say the schools would temporarily shutter. A few minutes later, the mayor announced the same.
Though New York is the epicenter of the country’s coronavirus outbreak, more than a dozen states, including California, Pennsylvania and Washington, have indicated that their public schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year.Though New York is the epicenter of the country’s coronavirus outbreak, more than a dozen states, including California, Pennsylvania and Washington, have indicated that their public schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year.
Many states and districts that initially avoided issuing long-term cancellations of in-person classes have done so in recent weeks, as coronavirus cases and deaths have continued to rise.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Many states and districts that initially avoided issuing long-term cancellations of in-person classes have done so in recent weeks, as coronavirus cases and deaths have continued to rise.
New York City’s public school system is highly segregated by race and socioeconomic status, and remote learning has revealed new depths of inequality.New York City’s public school system is highly segregated by race and socioeconomic status, and remote learning has revealed new depths of inequality.
Many students do not have internet access or laptops at home, and the city rushed to lend about 175,000 laptops and Chromebooks and 66,000 iPads to children who needed them. Mr. de Blasio announced on Saturday that schools would, by the end of April, distribute about 200,000 more devices to families.Many students do not have internet access or laptops at home, and the city rushed to lend about 175,000 laptops and Chromebooks and 66,000 iPads to children who needed them. Mr. de Blasio announced on Saturday that schools would, by the end of April, distribute about 200,000 more devices to families.
About three-quarters of the city’s public schoolchildren are in low-income households and qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, prompting officials to leave some school buildings open for families to pick up meals in the morning, as well as for other struggling New Yorkers to get food in the afternoon.About three-quarters of the city’s public schoolchildren are in low-income households and qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, prompting officials to leave some school buildings open for families to pick up meals in the morning, as well as for other struggling New Yorkers to get food in the afternoon.
Mr. de Blasio said last week that the city had distributed over 2.6 million meals to residents through open school buildings since late March. The city is also operating 57 “regional enrichment centers,” where essential employees can leave their children while they work.Mr. de Blasio said last week that the city had distributed over 2.6 million meals to residents through open school buildings since late March. The city is also operating 57 “regional enrichment centers,” where essential employees can leave their children while they work.
The city also has about 114,000 homeless students, who have had to adapt to remote learning in shelters and cramped homes where they might share a single room with five family members.The city also has about 114,000 homeless students, who have had to adapt to remote learning in shelters and cramped homes where they might share a single room with five family members.
New York also has about 200,000 students with disabilities — or roughly as many total students in some cities’ public school systems. Now, scores of service providers are experimenting with ways to deliver complex physical and occupational therapies remotely.New York also has about 200,000 students with disabilities — or roughly as many total students in some cities’ public school systems. Now, scores of service providers are experimenting with ways to deliver complex physical and occupational therapies remotely.
Despite these efforts, many children with advanced special needs will fall behind academically and socially. Some students with disabilities are in school 12 months per year, but Mr. de Blasio said on Saturday that it was not yet clear whether those students would return to school even during the summer.Despite these efforts, many children with advanced special needs will fall behind academically and socially. Some students with disabilities are in school 12 months per year, but Mr. de Blasio said on Saturday that it was not yet clear whether those students would return to school even during the summer.
While New York City’s education leaders have insisted on continuing remote learning even as other districts have stopped classes altogether, no one has argued that online education is an equal substitute for attending a physical school.While New York City’s education leaders have insisted on continuing remote learning even as other districts have stopped classes altogether, no one has argued that online education is an equal substitute for attending a physical school.
The loss of learning and social interaction brought on by the months of school closures are enormous, and the full consequences of the shutdown will never be completely known.The loss of learning and social interaction brought on by the months of school closures are enormous, and the full consequences of the shutdown will never be completely known.
But the virus has already changed the school system even beyond the mass closures: The economic crisis created by the pandemic has led to significant budget cuts.But the virus has already changed the school system even beyond the mass closures: The economic crisis created by the pandemic has led to significant budget cuts.
The city has cut funding for school budgets, as well as some professional development for educators, after-school programs and the expansion of prekindergarten for 3-year-olds. Some elected officials were particularly alarmed that funding was cut for the city’s summer youth employment program, which matches thousands of low-income students with jobs.The city has cut funding for school budgets, as well as some professional development for educators, after-school programs and the expansion of prekindergarten for 3-year-olds. Some elected officials were particularly alarmed that funding was cut for the city’s summer youth employment program, which matches thousands of low-income students with jobs.
Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs contributed reporting.Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs contributed reporting.