Dear 2nd-grade families:
We are writing to inform you that a student in the 2nd-grade class has tested positive for Covid-19 and was last in school on Tuesday, March 23rd. The School is currently implementing its COVID-19 Action Plan: implementing track and trace procedures, whilst taking advice from the Ulster County Department of Health. (UCDOH)
Starting today, the 2nd-grade class must quarantine for 10 days. Quarantine means staying home and away from others for 10 days. The NYSDOH Health Advisory requires contacts to self-quarantine for 10 days and to self-monitor symptoms for days 11-14. Contacts will be instructed to self-isolate should symptoms appear.
Parents/individuals may pursue their own quarantine releases by either directly calling (845) 443-8888, communicating with their contact tracer, or filling out the following forms.
Is my child considered a close contact?
Yes. The UCDOH considers your 2nd-grade student a "Contact A"
A person is considered a close contact if they have had contact with the covid positive individual during their infectious period (two days prior to symptom onset or two days prior to test date if asymptomatic), meaning persons that were within six feet for ten minutes or more cumulatively over a 24-hour period. It is still considered close contact if masks are worn.
Do my child's siblings need to quarantine?
No.
Do we, as parents, need to quarantine?
No, you are considered a contact of a contact and do not need to quarantine.
If my student becomes symptomatic during the 10-day quarantine, do their siblings need to quarantine?
Yes, siblings will then need to quarantine.
Has the Department of Health been informed?
Yes. The DOH is aware of the student who has tested positive. We are providing the DOH with a list of students and teachers in the class who need to quarantine. They will follow up with you directly as part of their contact tracing practice.
Is it possible for the infected student to test out of quarantine?
No. The student must quarantine for the entire 10 days.
If I get my child tested can they return to school?
No, they must quarantine for 10 days, with or without symptoms. There is no 7-day test-out option for ending quarantine.
What about the other teachers?
All teachers who have been in contact with the infected individual must quarantine for 10 days. The same rules apply to both students and teachers.
We strongly encourage all 2nd Grade students to get tested. Peak sensitivity for testing is 4/5 days from point of exposure so test on Friday 26th March. If your child displays any symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19, please let us know immediately.
If you need to collect anything from school please let us know. We will arrange for a contact-less pickup.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Administration
