New Federal Guidelines Advise Schools To Relax Mask and Social Distancing Standards This Fall arrow PS 188 students on the first day of school in Sept. 2020. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office New York City school officials are reviewing new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control that relaxes mask mandates and distancing requirements for school districts this fall. The CDC said Friday that “safely returning to in-person instruction in the fall 2021 is a priority” and that fully vaccinated K-12 students, teachers and staff do not have to wear masks while inside school buildings. Masks are still recommended for unvaccinated children and adults.