School shutdowns in NYC coronavirus hotspots could go on for weeks, but nearby restaurants and bars remain open

Just days after New York City reopened all its school buildings, 124 public schools in coronavirus hot spots were ordered shut for at least 14 days. Those two weeks are now almost up, but it remains unclear whether officials will green light their reopening.

Mayor Bill de Blasio signaled that the closures, which affect schools in certain parts of Brooklyn and Queens, are likely to extend beyond this week. But the decision ultimately rests with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has not publicly offered a timeline or criteria for loosening restrictions and has often overruled or contradicted the mayor.

“It looks like another week or two of work, overall,” de Blasio told reporters Monday referring to the restrictions, including school closures. He also suggested some areas, particularly central Queens, could see restrictions lifted first and “it is possible that we could see some action later on this week.” (The shutdown orders also impact charter and private schools. City officials have not said how many of those schools are affected.)

https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2020/10/19/21524047/nyc-school-closed-bar-restuarant-open