WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — The Williamsville School District is getting a warning from the county health department for breaking the state's new COVID-19 guidelines for schools.
The Erie County Health Department sent a letter to the district on November 5 saying that kids were not allowed to take mask breaks during the school day.
When the guidance first came out in August, the county said students will be allowed to take mask breaks once every hour for about five minutes. During mask breaks, the county says students should be seated and stationary at their desks.
Now, according to the department, the guidance changed on October 29 that said that mask breaks were no longer allowed in class.
2 On Your Side received a response from Williamsville Schools saying they are asking the county for more clarification on the rules and would not comment further until they heard back.
In response to this warning to Williamsville Schools, the Hamburg Central School District sent a statement to parents saying it will continue to do offer mask breaks. You can read the full statement below:
"We are aware that the Erie County Department of Health Commissioner, Dr. Gale Burstein, sent a letter to the Williamsville Central School District stating that they are interpreting the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Interim Guidance for Classroom Instruction (September 2, 2021) as prohibiting mask breaks for students and school personnel during the school day while in school buildings. In fact, the NYSDOH makes no mention of mask breaks in its most recent Interim Guidance. The Hamburg Central School District has not interpreted the Department's silence on the topic of mask breaks in their guidance as a requirement that school districts discontinue the humane practice of allowing mask breaks for students and staff.
"Mask breaks will continue for all Hamburg Central School District students and staff in the same safe and thoughtful manner as they have since September of 2020."