New York City schools will continue to require students and staff to wear masks, even as the state plans to relax minimum guidelines.

In a letter to the Centers for Disease Control, state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker outlined plans to relax mask rules in schools and camps beginning this Monday, assuming the CDC has no objections. The new state standard would “strongly encourage” mask use indoors for unvaccinated students and staff, but wouldn’t require it.

But Zucker noted schools would be able to set their own stricter guidelines -- and the city’s public schools will do just that.

“The health and safety of our students, educators and staff remain our top priority. Per State guidance, local districts may implement standards that make the most sense for their communities, and we are continuing with our universal mask policy at our schools,” Department of Education spokeswoman Danielle Filson said.

The city currently requires masks be worn at schools -- and outside, or during sporting events -- by both students and staff, even if they’ve been vaccinated.

Elsewhere in the state, schools and districts will have the option to adopt the new guidance outlined by Zucker. Vaccinated students and staff would not need to wear a mask either inside or outside. While unvaccinated people would be “strongly encouraged” to wear a mask inside, they’d only be encouraged to wear them outdoors in certain higher-risk situations.

In his letter to the CDC, Zucker said the state intended to put the guidance in effect Monday unless the CDC urged them not to.

"If there is any data or science that you are aware of that contradicts moving forward with this approach, please let me know as soon as possible,” he wrote.”