Counties and municipalities will be able to mandate mask use in school districts, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Wednesday.
When rules for reopening were set this summer, masks were recommended but not required by the state. Teachers unions expressed concern, saying in August that about 200 of 700 districts statewide weren’t requiring masks.
Cuomo said that the Westchester County Executive had asked for authority to impose the mandate.
Wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands are the three main steps health experts say will help bring the Covid-19 epidemic under control.