The decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ease mask-wearing and social distancing requirements for fully vaccinated people likely won’t change how schools operate for the remainder of the year.

District officials in Chautauqua County on Friday said mask use and social distancing will remain in place inside buildings until notice is given by New York stating otherwise.

The updated CDC guidance, released Thursday, still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters for the fully vaccinated, but it will help clear the way for reopening workplaces, schools and other venues

However, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has yet to say whether he will change New York state’s mask mandate in light of the new federal guidance. He said the mandate is still in place as his administration consults with health officials in neighboring states.

Schools, like county and local officials, are now awaiting word from the state.

“We are hopeful we are moving in the right direction but we will need to follow the guidance of DOH,” said Maureen Donahue, Southwestern superintendent. “We look forward to the updated guidance.”

Dr. Kevin Whitaker, superintendent of the Jamestown Public Schools District, and Gowanda Superintendent Robert Anderson, issued similar statements to parents on Friday.

“As you may be aware, new CDC mask guidelines were released (Thursday),” both read. “As part of the guidelines, the CDC states that we must still abide by any local or state regulations already in place, including wearing masks in school and on school property. NYSDOH directives have not been changed as of this morning. New York State is currently reviewing these guidelines and MAY change the requirements related to mask wearing. As new guidelines are released from the state, we will keep you informed of any updates.

“Thank you for your continued help in keeping our schools safe and healthy.”

New York’s mask mandate dates to April 2020, when the Democratic governor first required all people in New York over the age of 2 to wear a mask when out in public or unable to distance themselves from others. At the time, health officials across the nation urged mask mandates as it became clear that people without symptoms could unknowingly spread COVID-19.

The CDC this week also approved children ages 12 to 15 to receive the Pfizer vaccine. However, that means most students will not be considered fully vaccinated potentially for weeks, after school is out for the year.

In Chautauqua County, more than 46,200 residents are now fully vaccinated, while 54,021 have received at least one shot. In neighboring Cattaraugus County, 23,695 have been fully vaccinated while 27,530 have received at least one shot.

County Executive PJ Wendel said he hopes Cuomo backs the updated guidance for New York state residents as quickly as possible. He called the CDC’s decision “very bold and innovative” and a move in the right direction.

In a video posted Thursday, Christine Schuyler, county public health director, noted the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. “By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but you protect your family,” Schuyler said. “We understand you are tired. Tired of the masks, tired of the rules, tired of not being able to do the things you love. We’re tired too. We all want to get to the day that we can get rid of the masks and get back to the things that we’ve missed so much.”

COVID UPDATE

The 153rd virus-related death was reported Friday by the county Health Department in addition to 11 new confirmed cases. There are currently 77 active cases, one person with the virus in the hospital and 379 in quarantine.

To date there have been 9,121 confirmed cases and 8,891 total recoveries.