Dear UNIS Community,
Effective March 2, the Governor of New York has lifted the mask mandate for all of New York State, citing the low level of COVID positivity rate throughout the State as a determining factor in her decision.
As a result, and after consultation with our medical experts at Mt. Sinai, UNIS will follow the State guidance and no longer mandate the wearing of masks on campus for our children or adults.
It is important to note that we have community members who will feel more comfortable continuing to wear masks beyond March 2 for any number of reasons, including their own compromised health or that of a loved one at home. We must honor their decision as a freedom we all enjoy as a UNIS community member, and at no time should anyone feel pressured to either wear or not wear a mask.
UNIS will continue to conduct weekly sample pool testing as a first line of defense against the virus through the remainder of the school year. This will begin next Monday, March 7. Those required to test will be informed through messaging from the Nurse’s Office. If a positive test is detected, the nurse will inform the entire class (Junior school) of the result and/or the grade level (Middle School and Tut House). The information will be provided so parents can make their personal decision about follow up testing for their child. Testing will not be a requirement to return to school.
The week prior to the Spring Break we will once again distribute home tests to all faculty, staff and students. We ask that everyone use the tests prior to returning to school to ensure that they are not COVID positive.
We will continue to send you the daily RUVNA health screening and strongly encourage you to stay home if you are symptomatic of COVID. This small action is perhaps the most important one we can now take as we move past the virus’ surge.
Finally, in the event that there is another COVID spike in New York City, we reserve the right to once again mandate the wearing of masks.
Best,
Dan
