We learned this afternoon, Monday, Nov. 16, that a member of the Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School community has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is currently in isolation and will not return to school until cleared by the Albany County Department of Health.
As a precaution, one classroom will be quarantined for 14 days, as per the Albany County Department of Health. Affected staff members and families of the students who are subject to quarantine have been contacted directly by school administrators and we are cooperating fully with contact tracing efforts by the health department.
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.
Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School will be open tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 17. The elementary school will be open as well. As a reminder, our school buildings are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every night school is in session in accordance with guidance from the CDC and the New York State Department of Health.
It is important that families continue to complete the district’s COVID-19 health screening/attestation for all students every morning before school.
In addition, please follow the COVID-19 safety precautions that we practice at school when you are away from school. These 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.
- 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.
(This information was sent to WCSD families and staff via One Call Now email on 11/16/20.)