355 Harlem Road, West Seneca, NY 14224 PHONE (716) 821-7297 FAX 821-7296

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: MICHAEL CORNELL

NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PHONE: 716-310-8851

Statement from the Erie Niagara School Superintendents Association on Mask

Breaks

We are aware that the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) Commissioner, Dr. Gale
Burstein, sent a letter to the Williamsville Central School District stating that ECDOH is
interpreting the New York State Department of Health Interim Guidance for Classroom
Instruction as prohibiting mask breaks for students and school personnel during the school day
while in school buildings. The New York State Department of Health Interim Guidance for
Classroom Instruction is silent on the issue of mask breaks. The Erie-Niagara School
Superintendents Association has not interpreted the New York State Department of Health'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. We know of no
other school district or county health department that has taken the position that the NYSDOH
Interim Guidance requires that mask breaks be prohibited. In fact, this type of inconsistent
application of COVID-related regulations and restrictions, and the enforcement of those that defy
logic, only undermines the legitimacy and enforcement of public health policies that might
actually be necessary.

School environments have been among the safest places for children and adults since the onset of
this pandemic. Through our diligent implementation of a mosaic of mitigation strategies,
transmission of COVID-19 in school settings continues to be extraordinarily rare. Mask breaks
are a critical component of overall compliance with this mosaic of interventions, and must be
continued for as long as masking in schools is required.

If it is the position of the NYSDOH and the ECDOH that mask breaks must be discontinued for
students and staff, we invite them to present the data that points to mask breaks as a serious
health concern so that we can help students, staff and parents from Buffalo to Montauk
understand why mask breaks must be discontinued in New York State. At that time, school
districts and school communities would also appreciate an explanation from public health
officials of the data-based nuanced approach that they will take in developing off-ramp language
for all COVID-related restrictions and requirements associated with school attendance.

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