Parents of kids in some New York City schools complain that their children continue to have school lunches outdoors despite the colder temperatures. Though the policy was enforced in late August to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the parents have grown concerned over their kids catching other illnesses because of the cold.
One mom told the New York Post that she has heard no plans to bring the kids indoors for their school lunches at Park Slope Elementary School. Officials continue to ask parents to let their children bring Fresh Direct bags as seating pads outdoors.
Another mom of a fourth-grader wondered when New York City schools would act and change the policy as the temperature dropped. She also pointed out that teachers and other school staff members do not eat outside while the students eat outdoors.
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A 30ºF Weather
According to Fox News, New York City's weather dropped to 30ºF in the week before Thanksgiving. The city's temperature varies throughout the year from an ideal 85ºF degrees in the spring or summer to a cold 28ºF degrees during the winter months. On some days, a 50ºF temperature could already be chilly and uncomfortable outdoors without a proper jacket or protection from cold weather.
However, a representative from the state's Department of Education said that the kids could opt to stay indoors for lunch if they are not comfortable outside. Some parents said they didn't know that the children had the choice, and the only time kids were allowed to eat indoors was during rainy weather.
The Department of Education representative said they would have to remind school officials to update the policy on school lunches and accommodate a child or a family requesting some changes.
COVID Spike Among the Kids
Meanwhile, despite the city's efforts to vaccinate school kids between the ages of five to 11, COVID cases among the children have had an uptick by 32 percent in the first two weeks of November. Dr. Rebekah Diamond of the Columbia Children's Hospital said that one factor contributing to the increase in cases is the easing off of restrictions in many establishments, including schools. The vaccination rate for children under 11 years old is also lower than the number of vaccinated adults.
Surveys show that at least three in 10 parents say they will not vaccinate their younger kids since the age group contract mild cases of COVID anyway. However, Diamond said that this is not always the case since younger children are affected by the virus that has remained in the hospital for a long time. Children with COVID-19 could also be at risk of developing myocarditis.
To encourage more parents to vaccinate their kids, members of the New York City council approved a bill allowing a four-hour leave for moms and dads. The time allows the parents to bring their kids to the vaccine center, even during a busy work schedule.
