The Ossining UFSD is not equipped to conduct testing in the event of a large-scale outbreak. We have a standing relationship with the Westchester County Department of Health and in the event that testing is required, we will defer to the Westchester County DOH for any required or relevant information. This information will be disseminated through our communication platforms.
Testing is readily available in our community. Students, staff, contractors, or visitors requiring COVID-19 testing should contact their health provider, a local urgent care, federally qualified health center or visit the NYSDOH website to locate a nearby testing facility https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.
The Ossining UFSD Nurse Coordinator will notify the Westchester County DOH immediately upon being informed of any positive COVID-19 diagnostic test result by an individual within school facilities or on school grounds, including students, staff, contractors, and visitors.
To assist the local health department with tracing the transmission of COVID-19, the Ossining Union Free School District has developed and maintained a plan to trace all contacts of exposed individuals in accordance with protocols, training, and tools provided through the New York State Contact Tracing Program. Our District Nurse Coordinator will complete the John Hopkins University COVID-19 Contact Tracing course before the beginning of the 20-21 school year.
The Ossining UFSD will assist with contact tracing by:
· Keeping accurate attendance records of students and staff members
· Ensuring student schedules are up to date
· Keeping a visitor log that includes name, date, time in/out, phone number, address, and where in the school they visited
· Assisting the local health departments in tracing all contacts of the individual in accordance with the protocol, training, and tools provided through the NYS Contact Tracing Program
· Informing the local health department of all staff members, contractors, or visitors testing positive regardless of county of residence.
· For all contact tracing, the DOH will require the name, address, and phone number of the individual as well as the name and phone number of the parent/guardian of a student.
If/when COVID-19 cases are discovered, in consultation with the local health department, the Ossining UFSD will do the following:
· Close or quarantine locations of potential exposure for 24 hours, if possible
· Clean and disinfect locations as necessary
· Provide DOH with information as required
Confidentiality must be maintained as required by federal and state laws and regulations. Staff should not try to determine who is to be excluded without guidance and direction from the local health department.
For more information about how COVID-19 containment efforts will be communicated to students, families and staff members, visit the Communication/Family and Community Engagement section of our reopening plan.