NYC Scraps In-School COVID Tests, Health Screens In New Guidelines

NEW YORK CITY — New York City's public school students will have two fewer COVID-related tests to worry about in the 2022-2023 year, according to newly released guidelines.

Weekly in-school coronavirus tests and daily health screenings won't be required when fall class begin, according to the most recent COVID-19 guidance from the Department of Education.

"In-school PCR surveillance testing will not be a part of the 2022-23 school year," the guidance states.

Likewise, the guidance for daily health screenings states: "No longer required to enter school buildings."

The change all-but scraps two major planks of New York City's original plan for safety after schools reopened in 2020 after months of coronavirus closures.

School officials have so far remained mum on their decision, but it comes as COVID-19 cases have steadily dropped in the past month, according to city data.

But not all coronavirus requirements will change.

All DOE staff, other school employees and visitors to buildings are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the guidance. And one vaccine mandate for some students will continue as well.

"Vaccinations (sic) is still required to participate in high-risk extracurricular activities including high-risk PSAL sports," the guidance state.

Testing will remain a part of student life, albeit in a more-informal fashion, according to the guidance.

Students and staff will receive four home tests from their school every month, the guidance states.

Read the full COVID-19 guidance for schools in fall 2022 here.