Update Jan. 14: One new confirmed COVID-19 case

The district has been notified of one new confirmed positive case of COVID-19 involving a member of the Watervliet Elementary School community. School administrators have reached out to all individuals considered contacts and have advised them of the need to follow quarantine protocols, as per the county health department.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws prevent the district from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information for anyone who has tested positive.

It is extremely important that families and staff members continue to complete the COVID-19 health screening every day before school and continue to follow these safety protocols:

  • Wear a mask that covers both the mouth and nose.
  • Wash hands with soap and water frequently. If you cannot use soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Contact your health care provider immediately if 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.
  • Do not come to school if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. In addition, if an individual in your household is symptomatic and is awaiting results of a COVID test, please do not send your child to school.

New COVID-19 guidance regarding symptomatic family members

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in our area, the Albany County Department of Health has issued updated guidance for schools.

Effective immediately, the DOH advises K-12 school districts to exclude siblings of symptomatic students from attending in-person classes pending results of a diagnostic COVID-19 test for the student exhibiting symptoms.
Siblings who are asymptomatic do not need to have a COVID test to return; however, if no testing is done on the symptomatic student, all siblings must quarantine for the entire 10-day period and remain symptom-free before returning to school.

If you are contacted to pick up your symptomatic student from school, you also will be advised to pick up all other siblings attending school in-person that day.

We appreciate your patience, cooperation and flexibility. Thank you!

(This update was sent to WCSD families and staff via One Call Now email on Jan. 14)