Nov. 22 Update: Notification of four new confirmed COVID-19 cases

We learned of four new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our school community since our last update. Three members of the Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School community and one member of the Watervliet Elementary School community have tested positive for COVID-19.

Contact tracing was completed as per Albany County Department of Health protocols and all individuals identified as having potential exposure at school have been notified and advised of the need to quarantine and monitor for symptoms.

Several vaccination sites across New York now offer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children from 5 to 11 years and older. In Albany County, one of those sites is located at the Crossgates Mall, in the former Lord & Taylor Store located on the upper level. Parents and guardians can make appointments at this vaccination site by visiting https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

A reminder that COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available for students who are 5 years and older through our Whitney Young School-Based Health Clinic at WJSHS. Call 518-629-3270 to make an appointment.

Also, please remember that symptomatic students and staff members should NOT come to school. The same advice goes for someone who knows they have been exposed to COVID-19. Do not come to school, but call the school nurse or your health care provider for further instructions.

Similarly, it is important for families to keep child(ren) home from school if they are exhibiting any of the following symptoms: Fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headaches; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; or diarrhea.

COVID-19 testing in school is available for students every Tuesday. We will only test students whose parents/guardians have provided their consent. If you wish to take advantage of this opportunity, please register your child(ren) and provide consent for COVID-19 testing directly through the Quadrant Biosciences app

NOTE: To participate in testing, all students and staff must create an account with Quadrant Biosciences.

Learn more about the district’s COVID-19 Testing Plan

Your continued cooperation and support of our schools is appreciated as we work together to make this a safe, healthy and successful school year for our students, staff and families. Thank you.

(This notification was sent to WCSD families and staff on Monday, Nov. 22 via One Call Now email.)