“We experienced hybrid learning the past two years and fully remote learning, and it worked out. So why aren’t we having a temporary pause on in-person learning, with supportive services with children with home needs?” said Marilena Marchetti, an occupational therapist serving schools in central Brooklyn…

Frustrated teachers say the mayor’s refusal to go remote is only part of the city’s failure to protect schools. They’re also critical of the DOE’s decision to change screening protocols. Before the winter break, any unvaccinated student who was exposed to someone with COVID-19 was automatically sent home to isolate, but now schools have adopted a “test to stay” policy that keeps kids in class as long as they don’t test positive for COVID. The protocol for teachers has changed too. Echoing new guidance from the CDC, the DOE informed teachers in an email that they could report to work with a mild or asymptomatic case of COVID six days after a positive test. Sick teachers should have a “minimal cough” that doesn’t expel phlegm, the document said. Runny noses are not allowed. Schools distributed K95 masks and at-home antigen tests to teachers to use at their discretion.

“It’s really terrifying and frightening for me because I have my own personal family vulnerabilities,” said Dols, who lives with her elderly father and whose father-in-law and stepfather both died because of COVID-19. “A huge chunk of my students are not vaccinated. This isn’t going to go well.”