We learned today – Monday, Sept. 13 – of three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our school community since our last update.
Two members of the Watervliet Elementary School community and one member of the Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School community have tested positive for COVID-19. Based on new contact tracing protocols developed by the Albany County Health Department, all individuals identified as having potential exposure at school have been notified and advised of the need to quarantine and monitor for symptoms.
We anticipate the need for fewer classrooms to be placed in mandatory quarantine this year given the health department’s new contact tracing protocols and the number of staff members and students 12 and older who have received the vaccine. Following these protocols, asymptomatic, fully vaccinated contacts do not need to quarantine following an exposure (they can continue to attend school or work in-person). In addition to wearing masks in school, contacts should monitor for symptoms of COVID and report positive test results to the school nurse and their health care provider immediately.
We encourage all eligible students (12 and older) and staff members to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and their communities. Visit the Albany County Department of Health website for a list of vaccination sites, or contact your health care provider.
With high community transmission in Albany County at this time, we continue to follow the prevention measures outlined in our layered mitigation plan. It is important that child(ren) be kept 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 information is available by calling the New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at 888-364-3065, the Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Center at 518-407-0172, or contact your health care provider. Visit the Albany County Department of Health website for information and local test sites.
Beginning this week, we will report new positive cases twice weekly – on Mondays and Fridays. We will post this information on our website and share notifications via One Call Now email. You may check the NYS COVID-19 Dashboard for daily updates about any new cases in our schools.
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, Sept. 13 via One Call Now email.)