Health department meeting three weeks from the start of school

Rochester, New York — Short before the start of school, Monroe County leaders are pushing ahead with plans.

Syracuse-area schools are now under a vaccine mandate.

According to Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, there are no plans for that – yet – here.

“We have not come to a decision on any mandates like that as of yet but we are working with the superintendents to meet with them the county health department every week to go over their reopening plans and I have been happy with the plans I’ve seen so far come out because I think that prioritizes student and administrators safeties,” he said.

According to Bellow, county officials are working with school districts to understand their individual plans and make sure everyone is protected.

“We have been making recommendations to the community,” Bello said. “First and foremost, the biggest recommendation is to get vaccinated. It is no question that the vaccine is the best tool we have to fight COVID.”

Penfield is the first local district to go back. Students return Sept. 1.