District notified of two positive COVID-19 cases at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School

The district was notified today, Tuesday, Dec. 15, of two positive cases of COVID-19 that involve individuals from the Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School community. Based on when the individuals were last in school – one on Nov. 4, and the other on Nov. 18 – the Albany County Department of Health has indicated that there is no need for contact tracing from the school setting or for any other member of the school community to quarantine.

All classrooms at Watervliet Elementary School and Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School remain open for in-person teaching and learning at this time.

Please keep in mind that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws do not allow the district to disclose or confirm any personally identifiable information; therefore, we cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.

Please follow the COVID-19 safety precautions that are intended to keep your family safe and help keep our schools open:

  • Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet at all times from those you don’t live with.
  • Always wear a mask that covers both the mouth and nose when you are out of your home.
  • Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
  • Wash hands with soap and water frequently when out of your home. If you cannot use soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Don’t touch the eyes, nose or mouth unless your hands are clean.

Do not come to school when you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, congestion or runny nose.

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately. COVID-19 testing information is available on the Albany County Department of Health website or by calling the New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 364-3065. Additionally, testing for symptomatic students is available through our Whitney Young School-Based Health Center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Please call 518-629-3270 to make an appointment.

Please continue to conduct the daily health screening before entering school every day. As always, the health and safety of our students, teachers, staff, and community remains our top priority.

(This information was sent to WCSD families and staff via One Call Now email on 12/15/20.)