COVID-19

August 30, 2023
COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines

Dear E1B School Community,

The following reflects guidance issued by the New York State Department of Education and the New York State Department of Health. Please check back periodically for additional updates.

Thank you and have a healthy school year!

Symptomatic Individuals

• Individuals with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate, wear a well-fitting mask and get tested as soon as possible.
• The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat and headache.
• COVID-19 testing is recommended as soon as possible.
• Individuals who test negative, but are still having symptoms, should retest in 2 days and contact their healthcare provider.

COVID-19 Positive

• Infected individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must isolate at home for 5 days and follow CDC isolation guidance.
• Individuals may return to school on Day 6 if symptoms are improving and they are fever free without the use of medication for 24 hours.
• Individuals should mask when returning to school on Days 6 – 10. CDC guidance is that those who are not able to wear well-fitting mask should either isolate for 10 full days or follow the test-based strategy to determine when they can return to school without a mask.

COVID-19 Exposure

• Quarantine is no longer required for asymptomatic individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19.
• It is recommended that exposed individuals mask for 10 days following exposure and get tested 5 days following the exposure or as soon as symptoms develop.

COVID-19 Testing in Schools

• Erie 1 BOCES will provide at-home Rapid Antigen Tests for staff and families on an as-needed basis to the extent possible.
• Diagnostic testing at the schools is limited but may be available, with parental consent.

Masking for Staff and Students
Universal masking is not required at this time. Masking is recommended under the following circumstances:

• 10 Days following COVID exposure / close contact.
• 5 Days following COVID isolation (i.e. days 6 – 10).
• If experiencing symptoms while at school.
• Any individual who chooses to mask for personal reasons should feel comfortable and supported in doing so.

For More Information:

• School Year 2022-23 Guidance - Letter from New York State Department of Health (DOH) and NYSED to Schools

• School Year 2022-23 Frequently Asked Questions for Parents and Caregivers

Important Notes:

• Physical distancing is no longer required.
• Contact tracing is no longer recommended.
• There is no testing requirement of any kind for students or staff, regardless of vaccination status.
• Schools will continue to be cleaned daily to reduce the spread of germs.
• Hand and respiratory hygiene (covering nose and mouth when coughing / sneezing) will continue to be encouraged.
• Schools are no longer required to report in-school COVID rates through the public facing Dashboard or Report Card.