Update to COVID-19 School Protocols for Students
March 2, 2022
On March 1, 2022 The New York State Department of Health released Supplemental Information regarding COVID-19 protocols in P-12 Schools. Please review the following information:
Universal mask wearing in schools is now optional.
Masks are not required to be worn on school buses or vans.
Masks continue to be required to be worn upon return from isolation during days 6 through 10 after a COVID-19 infection.
A Close Contact is anyone within a 6 foot radius of an infected person if unmasked.
Exposed individuals, regardless of vaccination status, may remain in school and should wear a well-fitted mask and undergo recommended testing. They may participate in school-based extracurricular activities.
Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests continue to be acceptable for return to school purposes.
It is essential that schools establish “mask positive environments" for those who wear masks either voluntarily or by requirement. No one should be "stigmatized, bullied or made to feel uncomfortable."
Quarantining is not required following an exposure or potential exposure to someone with COVID-19 in schools if your child does not develop any COVID-19 symptoms. The guidance has shifted towards a “monitor and test strategy.” It is recommended that close contacts wear a mask for 10 days and test on Day 5 after exposure.
Student Isolation Guidelines
Isolation- COVID-19 Positive Regardless of Vaccination Status
Report your positive COVID-19 test result to the school nurse
Required to isolate for a minimum for 5 days regardless of vaccination status
If you have no symptoms, or your symptoms are resolving, you may return to school after the 5 day period by filling out the Return to School Form linked HERE
When returning to school a “well-fitted” mask is required
Isolate when eating lunch
If symptoms persist you will be required to isolate for 5 additional days
Close Contact- Quarantining
No quarantine necessary if no symptoms
Should wear “well-fitted” mask for 10 days
Recommended to test on day 5
If positive follow Isolation Protocols and contact your school nurse
If you develop symptoms at anytime get a test and stay home
Release from Isolation Letters for Students
Release from Isolation and Quarantine Letters Are No Longer Required
Isolation (COVID-19 Positive):
For students with COVID-19, you can calculate your return to school by confirming your test date or symptom onset date was at least five days prior and you have been fever free in the past 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, and symptoms are improving. Please fill out the appropriate form linked HERE.