Here's what it will take to open New York schools this September

It's only July, but New Yorkers can't stop thinking about September and what it will look like for their children. 

On July 8, Mayor Bill de Blasio revealed that NYC Schools will implement a mix of remote and in-person learning for the 2020-2021 academic year. As he outlined what this new norm would likely entail, he said, "Things can change along the way." 

And it looks like changes aren't out of the realm of possibilities—but science will make that determination. On July 13, Governor Cuomo released a data-driven formula that will decide whether or not schools in New York will reopen. 

We all want schools to open but it has to be safe. In NY we will decide based on the data.

Schools will reopen if a region is in Phase 4 & daily infection rate remains below 5% (14-day avg).

Schools close if regional infection rate is greater than 9% (7-day avg) after August 1.

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) July 13, 2020

According to his press briefing, if a region is in Phase 4 and the daily infection rate remains below 5 percent (14-day average) schools can open. If a regional infection rate is greater than 9 percent (seven-day average) after August 1, schools will not be allowed to reopen. According to the Governor, this formula determination will take place during the first week of August. Then, schools will be following state guidelines about how to safely reopen.  

In the meantime, vacation is in full swing: Be sure to check out our favorite outdoor activities for kids and summer activities for kids. 

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