UPDATE: Another #NYCOfficeHours program will take place on Thursday, Dec 17 at 6:30pm virtually. If you have questions about virus testing, PPE equipment or other subjects, dial 1-800-280-9461 or go to on.nyc.gov/doeofficehours on Dec 17 to participate. Learn more about how to tune in and ask questions on the NYC DOE website.
Update: A second #NYCOfficeHours program will take place on Tuesday, Oct 27 at 6:30pm with Dr. Jay Varma, senior advisor for public health at the NYC mayor's office, and Adrienne Austin, deputy chancellor. Those interested are asked to dial in at 1-800-280-9461 to access the Q&A session. Those who have specific questions are asked to use #NYCOfficeHours on social media to have their concerns seen.
This back-to-school season has certainly been overwhelming for everyone.
Not only are students adjusting to atypical schedules, but schools are already closing due to virus spikes. It's no surprise that parents are worried about how to proceed with the 2020-2021 term.
For moms and dads who have questions about safety, mandatory virus testing throughout school buildings and keeping kids, the NYC DOE encourages participation in #NYCOfficeHours. Here's how it works: Families can use the hashtag #NYCOfficeHours on social media to ask questions about the virus. Then on Tuesday, Oct 13, Dr. Jay Varma, the senior advisor for public health at the NYC mayor's office, will respond to them via a virtual presentation from 6:30–7:30pm. Although the announcements don't explicitly say where to tune in, families can check the city and DOE's social media accounts for the livestream.
👀 #NYCOfficeHours are coming to New York City.
— City of New York (@nycgov) October 10, 2020
Join us this Tuesday, Oct. 13, for a virtual town hall on COVID-19 testing, and safety in @NYCSchools. We'll have the experts there to answer your questions.
Use the hashtag today to ask a question! pic.twitter.com/TfNw9JFVsl
Some of the questions thus far have included, "If you have your child tested at their own doctor, will proof of that test and the negative result be sufficient instead of testing in school?" "How safe is it in a classroom while students are eating?" and "Why can't students be tested with a guardian present?"
Learn more on the NYC DOE website and tweet your question with #NYCOfficeHours
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