It's been the big topic in New York State the last couple weeks -- will schools reopen in the fall?

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The official word from Governor Andrew Cuomo isn't expected until later this week, but according to Spectrum News Buffalo, Cuomo said New York is "likely" to reopen schools in September, as the state's COVID-19 infection rate remains low and has flattened, despite it soaring in other parts of the country.

Cuomo said in a radio interview last week that if the numbers stay they way they are now, they would reopen schools.

"Yes, if things stay where they are today, we're going to open schools," Cuomo said in an interview with WAMC.

The number of hospitalizations from COVID-19 across the state was at 536 as of Monday, which was a new low since the pandemic began in March.

As long as the regional infection rate stays below five percent, students can return to class (assuming the state gives the green light to school districts for students to go back in September).

Cuomo said he has asked school districts to have an open line of communication with parents and teachers in regards to reopening plans.

“Plans will raise questions and parents need to talk it through,” said Cuomo. “You need parents and teachers to be comfortable.”

The state departments of education and health will review school districts reopening plans this week for approval.

The COVID-19 numbers across the state are extremely good, and certainly fall in line with reopening, however I completely understand if parents and teachers have worries. I would too if I was a parent.

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