As has been reported, on Friday afternoon, New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker issued a letter informing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that New York would ease the mask requirements in schools as early as Monday, June 7.

Please note that, at this time, Watervliet and other public schools have received no definite guidance from the state regarding mask requirements or any other changes to COVID health and safety protocols.

As a region, the 24 districts that comprise Capital Region BOCES (including ours) will make no change to mask polices until such guidance is received. Mask wearing will continue in accordance with the school district’s Reopening Plan that was developed based on the comprehensive state guidance of last summer.

District mask policies include requirements for mask use on school buses, in classrooms, in school hallways and on playgrounds. Students take mask breaks during breakfast and lunch. When outside, relaxed mask use is also allowed in accordance with applicable health and safety measures.

“At this time, our district is not planning to change mask requirements unless or until we get guidance from the state department of health or the governor issues an Executive Order,” said Dr. Lori Caplan. “We have been successful in keeping our schools open all year with the safety protocols we have put into place and we will continue to keep our students and staff at the forefront of all decisions.”

Please contact Don Stevens, the district’s COVID coordinator, by phone at 518-629-3456, or email: dstevens@vlietschools.org if you have  questions or concerns.