The New Hartford Central School District is following the latest guidance from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) regarding COVID-19.

Illness/Positive COVID-19 Test

As with any infectious illness, students and staff who test positive for COVID-19, or who show symptoms, are asked to stay home from school and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s Isolation Guidance.

• Someone who tests positive and has no symptoms may return to school after day 5. 

• Someone who is sick (has symptoms) may return to school after day 5 if they have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving. It is also recommended that they wear a well-fitted mask on days 6-10 at school when around others.

People who have been sick, or tested positive, should wear a mask when symptoms begin or after testing positive (day 0) for COVID-19 through day 10. 

“Note: After having ended isolation, if COVID-19 symptoms recur or worsen, restart isolation at day 0. Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset. Staff and student’s parents/guardians should be advised to talk to a healthcare provider about their symptoms or when to end isolation.” (Source: NYSDOH FAQ 2022-23 August 2022 Memo)

Masks

Any student or staff member may wear a mask while at school to prevent the spread of illness. Mask-wearing is recommended for days 6-10 after coming off of isolation, and returning to school following a positive COVID test, or COVID illness.

Testing

Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin. 

At-home Test Kits 

The district will continue to provide COVID-19 test kits for students. If you need a home COVID-19 test, please contact the building Nurse or the Main Office of the school building. Student testing will not be conducted at the school building. 

Student Absence - Medical/Illness Reason

Learning opportunities and assignments will be provided to students that are out for any illness or injury for more than three (3) days. Please contact the classroom teacher to obtain additional details regarding assignments and learning materials. 

COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to attend school. Children ages 6 months and older are all eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children older than 5 are eligible for a booster. For more information, visit ny.gov/vaxtoschool. 

Health and safety protocols

Routine cleaning in our school buildings continues to be an important strategy for reducing the spread of illness. High-risk areas such as health offices, classrooms, lunchrooms, athletic rooms, bathrooms and high-traffic areas are cleaned at least daily.