Governor Cuomo Press Release: Mask Mandate Update

Good Afternoon,

Governor Cuomo held a press conference this morning and spoke to a lift on some COVID related restrictions. Per the Governor’s comments, it appears that as a result of consultation with the CDC, only the mandate to wear masks outdoors will be lifted and all other requirements for schools will remain in place.

During his press release, Governor Cuomo stated "We spoke with the CDC, and since they're not going to change their guidance for several weeks in New York State, we're going to modify the CDC guidance and allow schools to choose no mask outside for children. We'll leave that up to the local school district and we spoke to the CDC, which has no objection.”

During an Emergency Meeting of the Board this afternoon, the Honeoye Central School District Board of Education moved on the recommendation to opt for no masks outside for children. We are told that we may anticipate the updated NYSDOH guidance incorporating the relaxed outdoor masking provision mentioned soon and I will share the specifics of said updates with you as soon as the guidance document becomes available.

On behalf of the Honeoye Central School District, thank you for your patience. I recognize and understand the frustration attached to this situation for our students, families, faculty and staff. Brene Brown writes that “being unclear is unkind.” I am sorry for what has been unclear and unkind from policymakers throughout the year of COVID and for the many ways that has impacted our district. What I want to be most clear about is how much your patience is appreciated and your partnership with the district valued. Hang in there, we’re almost there! We must continue to move onward, upward and UNITED as Bulldogs!

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns about the information included in this communication, or otherwise.

Warmest regards,
E. Bridget Ashton

Elizabeth Bridget Ashton
Superintendent, Honeoye Central School District
8528 Main Street
Honeoye, New York 14471
[email protected]
On Twitter: @EBridgetAshton