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Syracuse City School District will no longer require masks in schools

Students and parents arrive masked for the first day of the school year at Grant Elementary School in Los Angeles on Aug. 16. The reopening of schools has raised hope that some parents may return to the labor force.
Robyn Beck
/
AFP via Getty Images
Students and parents arrive masked for the first day of the school year at Grant Elementary School in Los Angeles on Aug. 16. The reopening of schools has raised hope that some parents may return to the labor force.

The Syracuse City School District is on the cusp of a new chapter of the coronavirus pandemic. Beginning March 2, SCSD will no longer require students, staff or visitors to wear masks indoors.

This comes after Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the statewide mask mandate would end on Wednesday, March 2.

Though many question the districts decision to end the mask mandate, Superintendent Alicea said schools will welcome “individual mask choice."

"Some of you have expressed that the mask mandate should have expired long ago; others have expressed that it is ending too soon," Superintendent Alicea said. "I encourage each of you to be respectful of the decisions others are making, whether they choose to mask or unmask. We strive for our schools to remain inclusive, safe, and respectful spaces for everyone!"

The school district said further guidance from the State Health Department is expected soon.