Dear Mountain Laurel families,

As the date for our return to school approached and the omicron surge was steadily increasing, we made the very difficult decision to open school, hoping for the best.

We are filled with gratitude for every one’s trust, collaboration and true efforts in following our return to school testing protocols.

We have now completed 2 rounds of testing of all our students, faculty and staff, regardless of vaccination status, and would like to share our findings with you:

• No positive CoVid-19 cases have been recorded amongst our school community. 

• 5 students have been exposed to a family member who has tested positive for CoVid-19.

• 1 student has been exposed to a non-family member who has tested positive for CoVid-19

The 5 students who have had a possible exposure are in 3rd, 5th, 6th and 8th Grades.

• 3 of these students attended the first day of school before the positive case was known.

• 1 of the students is symptomatic and is awaiting test results. So far rapid antigen tests have been negative and we wish them a speedy recovery!

• In addition, we have 3 members of the faculty and staff who tested positive over the holiday period and have not been on campus since 2021. Thankfully they are all recovering well.

We urge your continued vigilance while cases in our county are increasing.  

Next testing date: Monday, January 10th.

MLWS Updated Covid-19 Guidance  

01/06/2022

For all students: 

• Stay home if any symptoms https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
• Test if any symptoms (PCR, NAAT, rapid antigen all acceptable) 

For symptomatic vaccinated students: 

• If test is negative: can return to school once fever-free for at least 24 hours and all symptoms are improving 

For symptomatic unvaccinated students:

• If test is negative: can return to school once fever-free for at least 72 hours and symptoms are all improving

If Covid-positive:

• All students should isolate for 10 days according to UCDOH, regardless of vaccination status.  Guidance is under review to be able to shorten the isolation period.  After 10 days, students may return if fever-free for 72 hours and symptoms are improving. Day 0 is the day of symptom onset or (if asymptomatic) the day of collection of the first positive specimen. ie:When counting the 10 days, day 1 is the day after symptom onset or a positive test result 
• Faculty/Staff (critical staff) may return after 5 day isolation regardless of vaccination status if they are fever free for 72 hours and symptoms are improving. Day 0 is the day of symptom onset or if asymptomatic, the day of collection of the first positive specimen. The individual should wear a well fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.

During current surge period only, due to high rate of breakthrough infections: 

Close-contact exposure (not at school)

Unvaccinated: 

• Per Ulster county - need to quarantine for 10 days since last exposure.  
• Should test on days 5-7 and inform school of the result. (PCR, NAAT, or rapid antigen are all acceptable.)
• Should screen daily for symptoms. If symptoms appear, test & inform the school.

Vaccinated: 

• Quarantine for 5 days since last exposure, may have rapid test on the morning of day 6 to return to school
• Must be fully vaccinated and boosted if appropriate length of time since last vaccination.
• Should screen daily for symptoms,  test if any symptoms and inform school of the result.

Close contact exposure at school - contact of classmate or other close-contact (Test To Stay, TTS)

• Unvaccinated - need to test with 3 tests within a 7 day period (approx every other day). Symptom screen daily and stay home if any symptoms.
• Vaccinated - can stay in school but should screen themselves for symptoms daily and stay home if any symptoms. Test on day 3-4 

Note: If multiple students from one contact are positive, the entire cohort may be quarantined

Note: Additional guidance is coming soon that will more specifically address the Omicron variant.  As information becomes available about appropriate isolation and quarantine durations with the omicron variant, the MLWS Covid-19 Task Force will evaluate and update guidance accordingly.

Returning from Travel 

Domestic Travel:

All Travelers:

• Self monitor for Covid-19 symptoms, isolate and get tested if symptoms develop.
• If not fully vaccinated: Get tested with a rapid antigen test 3-5 days after returning from travel. Isolate if testing is positive
• May attend school provided the above steps are taken
• If you recently recovered from Covid-19 in the past 90 days you do not need to get tested.

International Travel:

All travellers

• Get tested with a Covid-19 viral test 3-5 days after travel regardless of vaccination status
• Self monitor symptoms, isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms, regardless of vaccination status 
• If you are not fully vaccinated, in addition to the recommendations above, stay home and self quarantine for a full 5 days after travel. If you test positive, isolate.
• If you recently recovered from Covid-19 within the past 90 days you do not need to get a test 3-5 days after travel. You do not need to self quarantine after travel. If you develop symptoms after travel, isolate and consult a health care professional for testing recommendations.