STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New York state will allow schools and colleges to hold limited outdoor graduations starting later this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday.
“We’re going to allow socially distanced graduations outdoors with up to 150 people total beginning June 26," Cuomo said during his daily press briefing Sunday.
The announcement is subject to change if there are any coronavirus outbreaks or other significant changes.
“But schools need to plan [for graduations]. With the progress we’ve made so far and if we continue this trajectory, we’ll be able to do that.”
Cuomo didn’t provide any further details about the outdoor ceremonies or guidance that the schools will need to follow to ensure social distancing or other safety measures.
The announcement comes shortly after City Council Minority Leader Steven Matteo (R-Mid-Island) sent a letter to Cuomo explaining that members of the Class of 2020 should be allowed to graduate at outdoor ceremonies similar to their New Jersey counterparts.
“As you know, the lives of our children have been upended,” Matteo wrote in the letter. “Those who are in the Class of 2020 did not have the opportunity to participate in many of the rites of passage experienced by graduates for many decades, including attending their proms with their friends and a full in-person graduation ceremony.”
“Governor Murphy’s plan is rational, safe, and recognizes the unique position the Class of 2020 finds themselves in through no fault of their own,” he added.
“On behalf of the Class of 2020, I ask that you implement a plans similar to the one announced by Governor Murphy. Let’s give the Class of 2020 a chance to celebrate together in a safe, socially distanced way.”
*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Staten Island’s three colleges, Wagner College, St. John’s University and the College of Staten Island, postponed their commencement ceremonies to a later date when it is safe to hold an in-person graduation.
Staten Island high schools have started to hold virtual commencements for students, including Monsignor Farrell High School in Oakwood and St. Joseph Hill Academy in Arrochar.
In April, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city would host a citywide virtual graduation ceremony for high school seniors.
“We’re going to do one big celebration of New York City’s high school seniors. We’re going to make it something special. You may not have the traditional ceremony that you were looking forward to. We’re going to give you something you’re going to remember for the rest of your life and you will cherish,” he said.
The mayor added that the city will bring together special guests to celebrate seniors, which will include graduates of New York City public schools.
“You’re going to have a day of inspiration and support and celebration no matter what this pandemic has thrown at us,” de Blasio said.
NEW YORK CITY ENTERS PHASE 1 ON MONDAY
Cuomo also announced that as New York City enters Phase 1 on Monday, there would be 35,000 coronavirus (COVID-19) tests performed each day across the five boroughs to closely monitor the city’s reopening.
“New York City has met all the metrics,” Cuomo said. “We are going to open New York City tomorrow for Phase 1. Period. That will happen. When we begin Phase 1 in New York City, remember New York City had the highest number of cases. New York City has the highest density.”
Forty-five people died of the virus in New York state on Saturday, slightly higher than the 35 people who died Friday.
New York performed 60,435 COVID-19 tests Saturday with only 781 of those coming back positive. Cuomo said this means that only 1% of people tested for the coronavirus Saturday were positive.
30
FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
"allow" - Google News
June 08, 2020 at 01:47AM
https://ift.tt/3cLCCiZ
New York to allow limited outdoor graduations starting June 26, Cuomo says - SILive.com
"allow" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2KTEV8j
https://ift.tt/2Wp5bNh
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "New York to allow limited outdoor graduations starting June 26, Cuomo says - SILive.com"
Post a Comment