What To Expect If Long Island Develops “Micro-Clusters”

As COVID numbers on Long Island increase, the possibility of a Long Island school district being designated a micro-cluster site seems increasingly likely. Pursuant to Executive Order 202.68, the local Department of Health shall direct all public and non-public schools located in a red or orange micro-cluster zone to close in-person instruction until they can test students and staff. Only remote instruction will be allowed in these areas. However, schools in yellow zones may remain open with testing in place.

School districts must continue to make meals available to students in all zones.

In order for a school in a red or orange micro-cluster zones to reopen, schools must, at a minimum, ensure that no person (student, faculty, or staff) attends in-person without first receiving a negative test.

After a school reopens in a red or orange micro-cluster zone, 25% of the in-person learning school community (student, faculty, and staff) must be tested each week. Schools that cannot meet the reopening requirements must remain in remote learning for the duration of the zone designation.

Although schools in a yellow zone may remain open for in-person instruction, an October 9, 2020, NYDOH directive states that these schools are required to test 20% of in-person students, teachers, and staff, at least once a week, for as long as the school remains in a designated yellow zone.

Check our Special Education COVID page for additional guidance for students, including students with disabilities, during the pandemic.