Updated COVID-19 guidelines for students and teachers have been released for this year by the New York City Department of Education, but one concerned parent says they're nothing more than "COVID theater."

The list of guidelines includes recommendations, but not a requirement, for things like masks and vaccinations when it comes to students.

Staff members and school visitors, however, will still be required to have both.

Social distancing and PCR testing are also not being required for the 2022-23 school year.

The Department of Education says 160,000 air purifiers have been distributed, with the goal of having two in every classroom.

One parent says they are just hoping the people in charge of these guidelines "really think about how we can protect our children and our community."