Return to School Info



If my child has symptoms of COVID-19, Flu, or RSV what is required to return to school?


Students who have COVID-19, Flu, or RSV symptoms should stay home.  See symptom chart below.

Testing and/or follow up with a healthcare provider is strongly recommended.  

Students must be fever free x 24 hours (without fever reducing medication) and have other symptom improvement before returning to school.

Call your School Building attendance office to report all absences and call your Building school nurse with any questions. 

If your child tests positive for COVID-19, Flu or RSV notify your Building School nurse and follow return to school requirements.


If my child tests positive for COVID, Flu, or RSV, what is required to return to school?

Step 1:   Stay at home.  Students who test positive must stay home until at least 24 hours after both:

Step 2: Resume normal activities, and use added prevention strategies over the next five days, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing your hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. 

People who are at higher risk for severe illness who start to feel sick should seek health care right away so that they can access testing and/or treatment. Early treatment for COVID-19 or flu may prevent severe disease in people at higher risk, even if they are up to date with their vaccines.


What is the updated CDC guidance?
CDC’s Updated Respiratory Virus Guidance: What to Do When You Are Sick  March 1, 2024, 3:40 PM EDT

CDC released updated Respiratory Virus Guidance in response to the decreasing risk that COVID-19 poses to the population. This updated Guidance includes strategies to protect people at highest risk of getting seriously ill and provides actionable recommendations for people with common viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. 

Protect Yourself from Getting Sick:

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from COVID-19, flu, and RSV is to stay up to date on your recommended vaccines. Even when vaccines don’t prevent infection, they often tame these viruses, reducing severity, and preventing their worst outcomes, like hospitalization and death. Along with staying up-to-date on your vaccines, practicing good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces can help. Also, taking steps for cleaner air can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. This can mean bringing in fresh outside air by opening a window, purifying indoor air, or having outdoor social activities.

Click here for additional information/guidance from the CDC.

Click here for CDC Respiratory Guidance FAQs.



Does the School District do Contact Tracing?


No, contract tracing is no longer recommended by the NYSDOH or NYSED.



Can individuals who had contact with a positive case attend school if they are asymptomatic (symptom free)?

 

Yes, per the NYSDOH, exposed individuals, regardless of vaccination status, who are asymptomatic (symptom free) may remain in school.  


What to Know About Contagious Respiratory Illnesses

COVID-19, the Flu, and RSV are all highly contagious respiratory infections caused by viruses. The severity and treatments for these illnesses vary, which is why following up with a health care provider is always recommended.  If your child is having any Respiratory Illness symptoms, please keep them home and follow up with their healthcare provider for further guidance, testing, and treatment.


Note: This chart should only be used as a starting point. Symptoms can vary from person-to-person. 

* Less than half of children who are diagnosed with COVID-19 will have a fever.