Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Nov. 13, 2020 By Christian Murray
Mayor Bill De Blasio warned today that New York City schools could close for in-person learning as soon as Monday amid a spike in COVID-19 infections.
The mayor told parents to brace themselves for closures during an appearance on WNYC’s Brian Lehrer Show this morning. He said parents with children who are attending in-person classes should make plans in case schools close next week.
“People should get ready,” de Blasio said on the WNYC show. “Have an alternative plan for as early as Monday.”
The warning comes as the city continues to see the COVID-19 infection rate climb, with the latest data showing a 2.83 percent infection rate on a seven-day rolling average.
The mayor has warned that if the city hits 3 percent on a seven-day rolling average he would shutter school buildings.
He said if the infection rate rises over the weekend then parents might be alerted that school could close as early as Monday.
De Blasio urged New Yorkers to take precautions this weekend to get the infection rate down.
“We NEED to fight back this weekend, NYC,” he tweeted this morning. “We NEED to get this virus under control.”
Today’s indicators are once again sobering:
• 121 patients admitted to the hospital
• 916 new cases
• The infection rate 7-day average is 2.83%We NEED to fight back this weekend, NYC. We NEED to get this virus under control.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) November 13, 2020
