Massapequa Reverses Mask Policy Under Threat From State

MASSAPEQUA, NY — After confusion caused by conflicting requirements announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Massapequa School District has reversed its mask policy and is once again requiring masks for all students while in school buildings.

Last Friday, Cuomo said that the mask mandate for schools would be lifted Monday. But over the weekend, the state Education Department said the mask mandate would remain until the CDC lifted its requirements.

Some Long Island school districts, including Massapequa, Patchogue-Medford and and Sachem, allowed students to go mask-free on Monday. But at a press conference later in the afternoon, Cuomo walked back his comments from Friday and said masks would still be required indoors.

Massapequa Superintendent Lucille Iconis said the school district received a phone call and written communication from Cuomo's office instructing it to reinstate the mandate for today.

"The Governor's representative made it clear that the district would incur sanctions for non-compliance which would include but not be limited to monetary fines, school closures and the ability to operate in person," Iconis wrote in a message to the community. "Based on these directives, effective immediately, all students, staff and visitors must wear masks indoors."

The Massapequa Board of Education voted unanimously on Friday to lift the mask mandate, following Cuomo's original announcement, which is why masks were optional on Monday. Its policies, however, are superseded by the state.

"The Board of Education has no other option at this point than to comply with the law and directives of the Governor of New York State," Iconis wrote.

The mask mandate is likely to remain in effect for the rest of the school year. Cuomo said coronavirus restrictions would be lifted when the state has a 70 percent vaccination rate.