New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that students will return to in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. With this return comes new COVID restrictions are mandatory for all.

Staff and students are required to wear masks at all times while inside the school building with the exception of lunch.

Masks make it much more difficult for students to hear their teachers and vice versa. 

WJPS junior Nicholas Zuvich said, “Masks make me feel suffocated all day, like I can’t breathe.” 

He is not alone, many students agree that masks are uncomfortable throughout the school day.

All staff members must be vaccinated for COVID-19. This mandate comes after the FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine. 

In addition, students and staff have to fill out a daily health screening before entering the building. 

Many agree that although the regulations make for a safer environment, they can be inconvenient and make learning more difficult.

Another WJPS junior Justin Rivera agreed, “Masks make us safer so I don’t mind wearing them, they are uncomfortable though.” 

One way to be more comfortable while abiding by covid guidelines is wear a mask that is fitted, but not too tight for maximum comfort. 

Although masks are uncomfortable, wearing them in school effectively prevents the spread of Covid-19. 

Hopefully, in the near future we can see masks become a thing of the past for New York City.