On August 22, 2022 Governor Kathy Hochul and State Health Commissioner Mary Bassett held a briefing on state plans for dealing with COVID-19 for school districts this year.

 

Here are some highlights:

 

• Students and staff exposed to COVID will not have to quarantine. People who were exposed to COVID-19 should follow CDC recommendations to wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days after the exposure and get tested.

 

• “Test to stay” will end—students will no longer be required to receive a COVID test if exposed to an infected person.

 

• Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days at home. Those with symptoms may resume attending school after 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. CDC guidance indicates that people can use the test-based strategy outlined in its isolation guidance to potentially shorten the duration of post-isolation mask use. Please read the FAQ on these points.

 

• Universal masking is not required at this time. Local health departments have authority to implement masking requirements.

 

• Schools will no longer be required to offer or conduct screening testing.

 

• Schools are not required to test unvaccinated staff.

 

• Schools are not required to report daily test results to DOH.

 

• Schools will not be required to conduct contact tracing.

 

Please contact your building principal with any questions or concerns.