The schools, which make up the countryβs largest school system, were closed less than two weeks ago after the citywide rate of coronavirus tests coming back positive exceeded a 3% benchmark agreed to by the mayor and the teachersβ union.
βItβs a new approach because we have so much proof now of how safe schools can be,β de Blasio told reporters, saying the 3% benchmark was being scrapped and pointing to research that shows young children appear to be less vulnerable to COVID-19. On Sunday, the cityβs seven-day rolling average of positive tests was 3.9%, de Blasio said.
