COVID-19
January 25, 2022
Masking Update
Attention E1B School Community:
As you may have seen yesterday, a New York State Supreme Court Judge in Nassau County struck down the mask mandate established by Governor Hochul’s Administration. Following the ruling, Governor Hochul and the NYSDOH filed a Notice of Appeal, an action that would result in an automatic stay of the ruling. While these legal steps occur, it is NYSED's position that “schools must continue to follow the mask rule”.
We appreciate that this news is likely to be met with different reactions. But, please understand that we are required to follow all directives from the State Education Department. As such, we will maintain the same safety protocols we have since the start of the year. We will continue to follow this issue as it evolves and will notify you of any changes.
Thank you for your ongoing patience, and thank you for helping to ensure that our classrooms continue to be safe, calm, and caring spaces for kids.
January 21, 2022
Contact Tracing and Test to Stay Update for Families
Attention E1B Families:
Contact Tracing
You may have heard that NYSDOH recently released new guidance for school contact tracing efforts. While this is true, it does not change our process for ensuring the health and safety of our students and staff. Out of an abundance of caution, Erie 1 BOCES will continue to directly notify any individuals who have come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Test to Stay (TTS)
TTS is the process of allowing unvaccinated, asymptomatic individuals who have been identified as a close contact the option to stay in school by participating in two rapid tests at the school over a 5-day period. TTS is optional pending parental consent. Specific eligibility requirements apply. Erie 1 BOCES plans to stagger TTS rollout starting with Northtowns Academy and Winchester Academy on Monday, January 24, 2022. Eligible individuals will be directly notified by the school. We anticipate instituting TTS at additional school in the coming week. For TTS FAQs click here.
