COVID-19

August 30, 2022
Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

Dear E1B School Community,

The New York State Department of Health and the Stated Education Department recently released a series of back-to-school guidance documents including:

• School Year 2022-23 Guidance - Letter from New York State Department of Health (DOH) and NYSED to Schools

• School Year 2022-23 Frequently Asked Questions for Schools

• School Year 2022-23 Frequently Asked Questions for Parents and Caregivers
  

Thanks in part to increased access to data, vaccinations, and treatment options, the guidance brings us closer to the “normalcy” we enjoyed prior to March 2020. Below is an outline of pertinent details of our current operating approach in light of the guidance.

They are, of course, subject to change pending updated guidance or recommendations from the Department of Health or State Education Department.

Symptomatic Individuals

• Any individual, regardless of vaccination status, who has symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea will be sent home from school or directed to stay home. 
• COVID-19 testing is recommended as soon as possible.
• Students who develop symptoms while at school will be asked to mask and isolate from others while awaiting parental pick up.
• Except in the case of a positive COVID-19 test, individuals may return to school if symptoms are improving and they are fever free without the use of medication for 24 hours.
  
  

COVID-19 Positive

• Infected individuals, regardless of vaccination status must isolate at home for 5 days and follow CDC isolation guidance.
• Individuals may return to school on Day 6 if symptoms are improving and they are fever free without the use of medication for 24 hours.
• Individuals should mask when returning to school on Days 6 – 10.
  
  

COVID-19 Exposure

• Quarantine is no longer required for individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19.
• It is recommended that exposed individuals mask for 10 days following exposure and get tested 5 days following the exposure or as soon as symptoms develop.
• Routine contact tracing is no longer a requirement or recommended. However, on a case-by-case basis, determinations may be made to notify individuals who may have been exposed to an infected individual and offer a test kit for home use.
  
  

Diagnostic Testing in Schools

• Erie 1 BOCES will provide at-home, Rapid Antigen Tests for staff and families on an as-needed basis to the extent possible.
• Diagnostic testing at the schools is limited but may be available, with parental consent, at Exceptional Education sites.
  
  

Masking for Staff and Students
Masking is recommended under the following circumstances:

• 10 Days following COVID exposure / close contact.
• 5 Days following COVID isolation (i.e. days 6 – 10).
• If experiencing symptoms while at school.
• Any individual who chooses to mask for personal reasons should feel comfortable and supported in doing so.
  
  

Important Notes:

• Schools are no longer required to report in-school COVID rates through the public facing Dashboard or Report Card.
• Testing of unvaccinated staff is no longer required.
• Test-to-Stay and voluntary screening testing is no longer required.
• The Daily Health Screening is no longer a requirement.
• Physical distancing is no longer required.
• Schools will continue to be cleaned daily to reduce the spread of germs.
• Hand and respiratory hygiene (covering nose and mouth when coughing / sneezing) will continue to be encouraged.