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COVID Guidance

On August 22, 2022, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) issued a joint recommendation to follow the CDC Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools for the 2022-2023 school year as a resource for COVID-19 mitigation strategies in the K-12 setting.

The following changes are highlighted for the upcoming school year:

  • Universal masking is not required in school or on school buses at this time.
    • However, individuals returning to school after completing 5 days of isolation must wear a mask in school and in indoor public spaces on Days 6-10.
    • Mask exemptions do not apply. If an individual cannot tolerate a mask, they must remain home through Day 10.
  • Quarantine is no longer recommended for people exposed to COVID-19.
  • Individuals with symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea will be sent home. Situations where symptoms are consistent with a documented, pre-existing medical condition (e.g., allergies, etc.) will be determined by the school nurse.
    • At school, the individual must wear a well-fitted mask while arrangements are made to go home, even if they have not yet had a test.
    • Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin.
  • Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days at home.
    • For those with symptoms, Day 1 is the first full day after symptom onset (Day 0 is the day of symptom onset).
    • For those that had no symptoms, Day 0 is the day they were tested (not the day they received the positive test result) and Day 1 is the first full day following the day they were tested—if someone develops symptoms within the 10 days of testing the clock restarts at day 0 on the day of symptom onset.
    • If a student is required to quarantine, work will be provided through their teacher(s) through Google Classroom.
    • Unless the district is forced into an extended period of closure, there will be no virtual instructional option.
  • Chromebooks are expected to go home with regularity.
  • Open Houses will be held in-person.
  • Individuals may return to school after the 5 days if:
    • They are fever free without fever reducing medicine for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving; and
    • They wear a mask through day 10 (day 1 is the first full day following the day they received positive test result regardless of symptom onset).
  • Routine contact tracing is no longer recommended.
  • Physical distancing is no longer required.
  • Screening testing is no longer required to be offered or provided.
  • Weekly testing of unvaccinated not required.
  • The COVID-19 vaccine is not mandated in New York State for school attendance.

    We will continue to promote awareness of community health and safety while adhering to the current CDC, NYSDOH, and NYSED guidance. We encourage our school community to make the right health choices for students, staff, and families. For more detailed information regarding NYSDOH and NYSED joint recommendation and CDC Operational Guidance, please review the following documents, which includes Frequently Asked Questions.

    2022-23 School Year Joint DOH-SED Letter to Schools - August 22, 2022
    2022-23 School Year FAQs for Schools - August 22, 2022
    2022-23 School Year FAQs for Parents and Caregivers - August 22, 2022