Long Island elementary students shed their masks for first time in years: "It's very exciting"
MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. -- New York's statewide school mandate is officially over, meaning local school officials will now set masking policies.
In Garden City, students told CBS2's Jennifer McLogan they hope there isn't a COVID resurgence.
"We never know if there's going to be a new variant, we might have to put the mask back on," seventh grader Vincent Lodato said.
Students appeared with and without masks.
"I got really used to it so it felt really weird not wearing it today. We should always just be respectful to everyone," one student said.
"Listening and making sure we are hearing the different perspectives of the members of our community," Garden City Middle School Principal Matthew Samuelson said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul decided to lift the mandate after COVID numbers dropped significantly. Over the weekend, she said she's leaving it up to local municipalities to decide whether or not to keep their mask policies.
"This is the day we've all been waiting for. It's been too long," Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said as he welcomed students to school Wednesday morning.
Blakeman had been vocal about making masks optional in school buildings. He said although he's satisfied with the change, the governor's decision is too little too late.
"We can be happy today that there are so many smiling faces, that all of the kids are very excited that they don't have to wear their masks and they're not going to get yelled at for not wearing their masks," he said.
CBS2's Elijah Westbrook also caught up with families outside John P. McKenna Elementary School in Massapequa Park, where students were greeted with the option to not wear a face covering.
One 6-year-old named Kellan said it was like a breath of fresh air.
"I like it, and I just love it," he told Westbrook.
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Westbrook did not meet any students who chose to mask up Wednesday, but officials say they may still be worn and warn against bullying.
"We feel great," one parent said.
"It's very exciting, because we get to see each other's faces and how everyone is going to react to this is amazing," a student named Nicole added.
In New York City, the move is expected to come Monday, and private and parochial schools will have the option to decide for themselves how to move forward. Mayor Eric Adams has said his office will look at COVID rates at the end of the week and make a final decision by Friday.
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