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New York delays start of school year

02 September 2020 14:54 (UTC +04:00)

New York City could be the first of the big major US cities to see its children back in schools this month under new plans agreed by Mayor Bill de Blasio and the unions, APA reports citing BBC News.

The mayor said he had agreed to delay the start of the school year by 11 days, until 21 September, to implement stronger safety measures demanded by the unions.

The measures include requiring up to 20% of students and staff in all school buildings to have monthly testing, as well as personal protective equipment for staff, greater distancing of desks, and better ventilation in buildings.

He also said he hopes that all students will have up to three days a week in school and the rest of the time spent in online classes. "Nothing, nothing replaces in-person learning," he said.

Students in Los Angeles and Chicago, the country's second and third largest school systems, have begun the new academic year with online learning only.