Covid-19 info Staff

In accordance with tonight’s newly released NYS Department of Health School Guidance document:

• Families will continue to be notified by our school officials if their child has been identified as a close contact (meaning they have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID). The newly released statewide guidance effectively ends quarantine for individuals who are exposed or potentially exposed to a positive school case. The guidance shifts toward a “monitor and test strategy,”. Close contacts will be recommended to wear a mask for 10 days and test on Day 5, after exposure, when group contact tracing is used

· Masking is also no longer required on school buses/ vans

· Masking is no longer required in school settings

• Scholars and staff members who test positive for COVID -19 must continue to isolate for 5 days. (Masking continues to be required upon return from isolation after COVID-19 infection during days 6 through 10. Individuals who are required to wear masks in school upon return from isolation must also wear masks while on school transportation.)

• Unvaccinated staff and faculty are required to continue testing on a weekly basis and uploading results

• District-wide, we will still adhere to the 3 to 6 feet social distancing rules

• District-wide, we will continue participating in temperature checks daily upon entry into work

• Desk shields are optional based on scholar and parent request to keep them in place

• Masking, regardless of vaccination status is strongly recommended for 10 days after a known exposure

• Testing on Day 5 after exposure is strongly recommended to detect infection among individuals identified as exposed or potentially exposed

• School staff/educators who were diagnosed with and recovered from COVID-19 within the past 3 months are not subject to the weekly testing and requirement established in 10 NYCRR 2.62, which remains in effect

• On-site testing is still offered every Tuesday at WMHS for all staff from 12:00-3:00