Dear Families, 

Following up on our letter to you last week about the new health condition appearing in children in New York City and elsewhere, linked below is a Fact Sheet from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health) that provides additional information. 

Per NYC Health, this condition has been renamed Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)— formerly Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS). The condition is rare and it is potentially lifethreatening, so it is important that you know its signs and symptoms. 

NYC Health’s Fact Sheet conveys new information about the syndrome, its symptoms, when to seek medical help, treatments, and preventative steps. Because MIS-C is associated with COVID-19, acting to keep your child from being exposed to COVID-19 continues to be essential. 

As a reminder, families should help their children understand the importance of the following measures and ensure their children follow them: 

 As per NYS Executive Order 202.17, all people over the age of two who can medically tolerate a face covering must wear one when they are outside their home if they cannot maintain physical distance from others. Free face coverings are available at DOE Meal Hubs in all five boroughs—you can find one close to you on the DOE website. 

 Physical distancing and good hygiene remain critical, even while wearing a face covering. 

 When outside the home, adults and children must maintain at least 6 feet of distance between themselves and others whenever possible. 

 Parents should remind children of the importance of good hand hygiene and should help ensure that children frequently wash their hands. 

The health and safety of our communities remains our top priority, and we will continue to take all appropriate measures to help keep our students, families, and staff members safe. Please visit nyc.gov.health at any time for the latest information on MIS-C, and do not hesitate to contact 311 with any questions.

Sincerely, 

Richard A. Carranza 

Chancellor 

New York City Department of Education