Social Distancing Requirements Will Be Pivotal In NYC Schools Reopening Next Fall arrow Students at One World Middle School at Edenwald in The Bronx on October 1, 2020 NYC Mayor's Office Mayor Bill de Blasio has said repeatedly that his goal is to get all students back into school buildings next fall. But some educators worry there won’t be enough physical space or staff to welcome back all their students if officials stick with current social distancing requirements. In March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance for schools, saying students should be at least three feet apart in classrooms, and six feet apart when eating. The guidance also calls for six feet apart for older students in communities where transmission is high.