On Dec. 15, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio stated at a press conference that if the state issues a "pause" order due to rising rates of the coronavirus, he would plan to keep city public schools open.

In response, UFT President Michael Mulgrew issued the following statement: 

The UFT fought to re-open schools – but only with the equipment, procedures, and testing that made them safe. If the coronavirus infection rate rises to the point that a citywide “shelter in place” is necessary, keeping school buildings open would be irresponsible.