Health and Safety

Health and Safety Plan for the 2021-22 school year

Here is NYC DOE Health & Safty Protocols


Physical distancing in schools

The DOE will follow the CDC recommendation to maintain at least 3 feet between students within classrooms. When it is not possible to maintain 3 feet in a given school, the DOE advises layering multiple other prevention strategies. During meal service, schools will use outdoor spaces and additional spaces in school buildings where possible.


COVID-19 testing in schools

Every school will have 10 percent of unvaccinated individuals who have submitted consent for testing in their school population tested biweekly. Students and staff who are fully vaccinated are not required to be tested.


Positive cases of COVID-19 in schools

In the event there is a positive case in a classroom, students who are:


  • At least 12 years old, vaccinated and not showing symptoms will continue to attend school in-person.

  • At least 12 years old, vaccinated and showing symptoms will be directed to quarantine for 10 calendar days.

  • Unvaccinated will be directed to quarantine for 10 calendar days. Those students who test negative on Day 5 of their quarantine can return to school on Day 7.

Remote Instruction

As per UFT Union's request, the need for virtual instruction for medically fragile children and for those in quarantine is discussed with the NYC mayor.

Tips how to wear a face mask
Wash your hands with soap and water

Hand Hygiene

Students and staff must practice good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Hand hygiene includes:

  • Traditional hand washing (with soap and warm water, lathering for a minimum of 20 seconds), which is the preferred method.

Cover your face when you cough

Respiratory Hygiene

The COVID-19 virus spreads from person to person in droplets produced by coughs and sneezes. Therefore, it is important that:

  • Students and staff cover their mouths or noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of the tissue appropriately.

  • A supply of tissues be available in each room when feasible. If no tissue is available, using the inside of the elbow (or shirtsleeve) to cover the mouth or nose is preferable to using the hands.

  • Always perform hand hygiene after sneezing, coughing and handling dirty tissues or other soiled material.

  • Windows are open to improve ventilation when possible.