As more than a million kids prepare to head back to school in New York City, there are new concerns about whether those who are learning remotely will show up and engage in online classes.

It has been easy for teachers to take attendance when a student is sitting directly in front of them in a classroom. It's not as easy when they're learning through a computer screen. Not all classes have live instructors.

Fauci: Labor Day weekend key for US virus fight

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government's top infectious disease expert, says Labor Day weekend will be key in determining whether the U.S. gets a "running start" at containing the coronavirus this fall.

Fauci said Monday he has a "great deal of faith in the American people" to wash their hands, practice social distancing, wear masks, avoid crowds, and congregate outside during the weekend celebrations. He said it's important to avoid a surge in coronavirus cases like those seen after the Memorial Day and July 4th holidays.

Hempstead teachers strike

Teachers in Nassau County's hardest hit area of coronavirus cases held a rally on Monday to express their concerns about returning back to the classroom.

More than 100 teachers in the Hempstead School District rallied outside the school district building on Peninsula Boulevard.

NYC schools reopening

The NYC Department of Education just secured 10,000 air purifiers for classrooms across the five boroughs from a city-based tech company. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that 1,300 school buildings have been inspected by the city's ventilation teams and to make sure everyone can participate remotely, 324,000 tablets have been distributed to date.

NYC teachers' union to vote on strike

The union that represents New York City public school teachers is set to vote Monday on authorizing a strike to start the academic year amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. The United Federation of Teachers and delegates from each New York City public school will meet to decide whether or not to strike in order delay in-person classes.

NJ movie theaters set to reopen

Movie theaters and other indoor performance venues may reopen on Friday at 25% capacity or 150 people. Each showing, and each theater in a multi-plex, will be subject to capacity limits. If you have four screens, each screen will be held to the lesser of 25% capacity or 150 people. Social distancing and mask-wearing will be required.

NYC indoor dining update

Gov. Andrew Cuomo commented on indoor dining in New York City, saying that the state is considering about reopening, but there are still many concerns. He said the factors to consider are schools reopening and fall bringing the flu season. Cuomo says he also understands the "competitive disadvantage" and "economic consequences" NYC restaurants are facing. "We are coming into Labor Day," he said. "Labor Day will see more people going back to school. That is a factor we have to watch. We're coming into fall. Flu season is a factor that we have to watch. We are watching it. We are considering it."

Connecticut students head back to school

Students returned to classrooms for in-person learning Monday for the first time since March. Elementary school students hopped off the school bus in fewer numbers, with each school in New Canaan at half capacity on any given day. Students were divided into two cohorts.

1 COVID death in NY

Gov. Cuomo announced 1 COVID death in New York on Sunday, which is the lowest ever during the pandemic.

Woman gives birth to little girl 2 months after surviving COVID-19

Two months after recovering from COVID-19 while pregnant, a Houston mother has welcomed a healthy baby girl.

India reports world's biggest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases

India registered 78,761 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the biggest single-day spike in the world since the pandemic began, just as the government began easing restrictions to help the battered economy.

NYC Layoffs on Hold

The Municipal Labor Committee asked New York City to hold off on the layoffs that would affect 22,000 city workers. They are asking the state legislature for more money and to reconvene to work out a deal. The mayor says he will assess the situation day by day.

Indoor Dining Set to Return in NJ

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy says that restaurants in the state can offer indoor dining beginning on Friday at 25% capacity and with social distancing in place.

US Open Tennis Begins

U.S. Open Tennis gets underway in Flushing Meadows, Queens Monday, but this year without tennis fans packing the stands. Officials taking many precautions including taking temperature every day when people walk in. One player, 31-year-old Benoit Paire, has tested positive and is now out of the competition.

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