The January administration of the high school Regents examination program has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, state Education Commissioner Betty Rosa announced Tuesday.

The cancellation applies to all Regents examinations that had been scheduled for the January Regents examination period. No decisions have been made regarding the June and August administrations of Regents examinations or any other state assessment programs.

“Educators, school staff, communities, and families have taken painstaking efforts to ensure a safe and healthy school year,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young Jr. said. “Given the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, the recent acceleration in COVID-19 infections, and continuing upheaval the virus has caused in schools across the state, this decision is the right one. New York’s students will continue to have access to high-quality coursework while allowing districts to prioritize the health and safety of our school communities.”

“New York set a daunting record last week with more COVID-19 cases reported in one day than ever before,” Rosa said. “Once again, the January Regents Exams cannot be safely, equitably, and fairly administered across the state. We will continue to work with our schools, districts, and stakeholders to ensure they have what they need to provide academic, social and emotional, and mental health supports for our students.”