'Welcome And Promising News': Bedford Schools Drop Mask Mandate

BEDFORD, NY — Following Gov. Kathy Hochul's decision to lift the statewide school mask mandate, face coverings will be optional in Bedford Central School District starting March 2, Superintendent Joel Adelberg announced on Sunday.

Adelberg called Hochul's announcement "welcome and promising news," and he said he hopes families will talk to their students about their comfort level and plans for future mask-wearing.

"I recognize that while (Sunday's) announcement will be welcome news for some, it may also raise concern for others," Adelberg said in a letter on the BCSD website. "We will be honoring the individual choice made by students, staff and visitors to our buildings."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also said masks will no longer be required on school buses unless state or county health departments require them, Adelberg said, and he said he's expecting guidance from those organizations by tomorrow.

Read more: School Mask Mandate To Be Lifted In NY Wednesday: Hochul

Since the policy change takes effect on Wednesday, Adelberg said students and staff members must still wear masks on Monday and Tuesday.

"I humbly ask for your patience and cooperation for two more days so that we can receive further guidance to plan accordingly and as we continue to operate in the safest and most respectful manner for all of our students and staff," Adelberg said.

Hochul announced her decision to lift the mandate on Sunday, and cited a 98 percent drop in COVID-19 cases statewide — from 90,000 positive cases on Jan. 7 to 1,671 on Sunday.

"The day has come," Hochul said on Sunday. "We are lifting the statewide mask requirements as of Wednesday."