CIAN Diagnostic has committed to supporting education system throughout the country by supplying low-cost options for COVID diagnostic testing programs for schools include Pooled COVID Testing. This week NY State announced that they will allow in-person graduation ceremonies as long as certain requirements are met – including negative COVID test results for ceremony guests and participants.
In alignment with their strategic approach for a phased reopening, New York State has released updated guidance that provides additional alternative end of academic year celebration options for commencements and graduation ceremonies. Effective June 1, 2021, end of academic year social gatherings organized by educational institutions (e.g., proms and balls) may occur, in accordance with this guidance.
Graduation ceremonies will be permitted in New York State starting May 1, with limits on capacity based on venue size and whether they are indoor or outdoor. In a recent conference call, Governor Cuomo said graduation ceremonies are important and that he hopes schools will plan and hold their graduation events.
"We just want them safe, and we want them smart," said Cuomo.
Cuomo explained that it had been a long, difficult year for students because of the coronavirus pandemic and that they deserved to enjoy a graduation. The Governor’s own daughter graduated last year, and she was deprived of a graduation ceremony. The Governor explained that her graduation ceremony was sorry missed by his entire family.
Cuomo said that the safest way to host a graduation ceremony is still with “virtual” or “drive-in” versions and he encouraged schools to explore those options, if possible; however, in-person ceremonies will be allowed as long as they follow the recently published NY State guidelines for graduation ceremonies.
Proof of negative diagnostic COVID test or completed immunization may be required depending on the capacity of the event. Many districts are investing in COVID testing program for schools.
If required, individuals must present proof of the recent negative diagnostic test result or proof of completed immunization (e.g., mobile application, screenshot, image, paper form) to designated employees or event staff prior to, or immediately upon, arrival to the event.
Individuals who have fully recovered from a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 in the previous 3 months and who do not have any recent or current symptoms are not required to produce a recent negative diagnostic test result but must provide proof of illness and recovery (e.g., proof of a prior positive test result or completed order of isolation within the previous 90 days).
Any individual who fails to present a negative diagnostic test result or proof of immunization, as required, MUST be denied entry to the event.
As of May 1st, 2021, the governor released the following guidance for graduation ceremonies in NY State:
OUTDOOR GRADUATION CEREMONIES
Large-scale graduation ceremonies of over 500 people at outdoor venues will be limited to 20 percent of venue capacity, applicable to venues with a total capacity of 2,500 or more. Proof of recent negative test result or proof of completed immunization is REQUIRED.
Medium-scale graduation ceremonies of 201-500 people at outdoor venues will be limited to 33 percent of capacity. Proof of recent negative test result or proof of completed immunization is REQUIRED.
Small-scale graduation ceremonies of up to 200 people or 2 attendees per student at outdoor venues will be limited to 50 percent of capacity. Proof of recent negative test result or proof of completed immunization is optional.
INDOOR GRADUATION CEREMONIES
Large-scale graduation ceremonies of over 150 people at indoor venues will be limited to 10 percent of capacity, applicable to venues with a total capacity of 1,500 or more. Proof of recent negative test result or proof of completed immunization is REQUIRED.
Medium-scale graduation ceremonies of 101-150 people at indoor venues will be limited to 33 percent of venue capacity. Proof of recent negative test result or proof of completed immunization is REQUIRED.
Small-scale graduation ceremonies of up to 100 people or 2 attendees per student at indoor venues will be limited to 50 percent of capacity. Proof of recent negative test result or proof of completed immunization is optional.
NY State continues to require face masks, social distancing, health screening and social distancing during the ceremonies. All colleges and schools need to notify their local health departments if they plan on hosting a graduation ceremony.
CIAN Diagnostics specializes in advanced COVID testing solutions for large organizations including schools, camps, healthcare providers, and government agencies. Our COVID testing solutions include Pooled Testing with Reflexive options and 24-hour PCR Testing service.
To download NY State's Full Guidance Document on Graduations Ceremonies during COVID-19, please click the button below:
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