Effective immediately, the District will adopt new isolation and quarantine protocols in partnership with our county health department. This change aligns with updated guidance from the New York State Health Department on January 4 that initially applied to essential workers only. It also aligns with updated recommendations from the CDC. These changes supersede previous guidance and protocols listed in our school opening plan published in September 2021.
Moving forward, this means any new cases of COVID-19 will follow the updated guidance below.
ISOLATION
Isolate* for five (5) days, where Day “0” is the day that symptoms begin or (if asymptomatic) the day that the individual was tested. For example, if symptoms begin on Sunday (Day 0) then the individual must isolate through Friday (Day 5).
If asymptomatic at the end of 5 days, or if symptoms are resolving, isolation ends and the individual should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.
Individuals who are unable to wear a well-fitting mask for 5 days after a 5-day isolation should follow standard (i.e., not shortened) Isolation Guidance.
Individuals who are moderately/severely immunocompromised should continue to follow standard (i.e., not shortened) Isolation Guidance.
* Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. At home, anyone sick or infected should separate from others, stay in a specific “sick room” or area, and use a separate bathroom (if available).
QUARANTINE
If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine* as follows, where Day “0” is the last date of exposure:
If not fully vaccinated: Quarantine for 5 days and wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.
If fully vaccinated: NO quarantine is required but these individuals should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for 10 days after the last date of exposure.
If possible, test at Day 5 with either a nucleic acid amplification test (e.g., NAAT, PCR) or antigen test.
If symptoms appear, quarantine and seek testing. In this situation, quarantine would end when the test is negative. If testing is not done, isolate according to the isolation guidance.
* Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.
Children ages 12 to 15 are now eligible for the Pfizer booster shots. Please visit https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ for more information or to find a vaccine and booster site near you. You may also visit the county health department website for any location options available.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate the changing guidance impacting our schools. As always, we communicate any changes after they have been discussed with and approved by our local department of health. Thank you for your cooperation.