Parents protested in front of Miller Place High School Tuesday after the district sent out a letter saying it was removing mask breaks for students.

In the letter, the district said it was following updated guidelines from the state.

"I think what they did in Miller Place...was pretty intense to suggest that there is no more mask breaks," says Jessica Rudin of East Setauket. "That's really unfair."

The school sent out another letter to parents after the outrage, restoring mask breaks in the elementary schools.

People protested outside the high school since the restriction of mandates continues there.

Students say the new rules are being enforced.

"It's a lot more strict this week," says junior Jake Lafontaine. "It's been picking up a lot."

More than 70% of New Yorkers are fully vaccinated, according to the state. However, the seven-day average transmission rate has climbed to 7.4% on Long Island, which is why Gov. Kathy Hochul called for mask requirements indoors unless there is a vaccine mandate in place.