BKW School Community,
As we approach the 2022-23 school year, the district is sharing the latest recommendations and guidance from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) regarding COVID-19. Recently, Governor Hochul and the NYSDOH issued a letter providing information and guidance as it applies to COVID-19. As an additional resource, the NYSDOH provided the following document for families and caregivers to review prior to the school year, which can be found here: “What Parents/Caregivers Should Know about COVID Mitigation Strategies for the 2022-2023 School Year” (August 2022).
Illness/positive COVID 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 tested 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.
- People who have been sick, or tested positive, should wear a mask through day 10.
Testing
Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin.
At-home test kits
The Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District will provide at-home COVID-19 test kits for students. If you need a home COVID test, please contact your student(s) main office to obtain a testing kit.
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.
Masks
Any student or staff member may wear a mask while at school to prevent the spread of illness. Mask-wearing is recommended for at least 10 days following a positive COVID test, or COVID illness.
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 will be cleaned on a regular schedule. High-touch surfaces such as lunch tables, desks, chairs, light switches and handrails will also be sanitized daily.
As always, the district will continue to work with local and state health partners to share news and updates as the school year progresses. We would like to thank everyone for taking the time to review these recommendations and for your support in keeping our students, faculty and staff safe and healthy throughout the upcoming school year!
Respectfully,
Dr. Timothy Mundell
Superintendent of Schools