After mounting pressure, and the threat of the first teachers' strike in New York City in 45 years, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced instruction would be pushed back by 11 days. Teachers will report back to their schools on September 8th. Students will have online orientation from September 16th - 18th. School buildings will open to students and classes to begin in-person as well as online instruction on September 21st.

The deal with the unions representing teachers, principals, and school staff also requires randomized COVID-19 testing in schools every month.