COVID-19 Return to School Protocols for Students

North Colonie Central School District
91 Fiddlers Lane
Latham, NY 12110

All information is subject to change based on updated guidance from the NYS/Albany County Department of Health and/or the Centers for Disease Control, updated as of 1/4/2022 and 1/10/2022.

RETURN TO SCHOOL PROTOCOLS – as of 1/11/2022

FOR ALL STUDENTS- REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS

For ALL Students Who Test Positive for COVID:

Isolation period of five (5) days and may return on day six (6) under the following conditions:
- Must be asymptomatic OR have mild symptoms,
  - No fever within 72 hours, without fever-reducing medication
  - Symptoms (if any) are improving
  - No runny nose
  - No disruptive cough
- Must not be immunocompromised
- Must stay at home and follow all isolation protocols when not at school
  - Practice social distancing
  - Greater distancing when eating with others during the 10 day period
  - Self-monitor for symptoms
  - Wear a mask at home and isolate from other family members
- Upon return to school, your child must wear well-fitting, disposable, non-woven mask or N-95
- Although not a requirement, if available a rapid antigen test at the end of day 5 is highly recommended. Should your child choose to do so:
  - Collect the sample only if your child is fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and other symptoms have improved
  - If the test result is positive, your child should continue to isolate until a negative result is obtained or after day 10 of isolation.

For ALL Students Who Have COVID-like Symptoms:

If your child has NO KNOWN CONTACT with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID:

Your child may return to school when:

Your child gets tested and receive either two (2) negative Rapid test results 36 hours apart or a negative PCR test
All symptoms are improving
your child has been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication
No runny nose
No disruptive cough

PLEASE NOTE: If your child uses a rapid test and the results are POSITIVE, you must take a picture of the test and the box the test came in. You will need to “self report” the positive test result to your local Department of Health, along with the pictures. You will also need to notify the school nurse right away.

If your child has A KNOWN CONTACT with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID:

Your child may return to school when:

your child has completed a five (5) day quarantine period, based on date of exposure
your child gets tested and receive either two (2) negative Rapid test results 36 hours apart or a PCR test on day five of quarantine
All symptoms are improving
your child has been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication
No runny nose
No disruptive cough

For ALL Students who have COVID-like symptoms and receive a laboratory confirmed alternate diagnosis:

- Obtain a written diagnosis from the healthcare provider for a laboratory confirmed acute illness (ex: laboratory-confirmed influenza, strep-throat, etc.).

The healthcare provider must indicate that COVID is not suspected.

The note from the healthcare provider must detail the alternate diagnosis as well as a release to return to school.

- Note: a signed note from a health care provider documenting an unconfirmed acute illness, such as a viral upper respiratory illness or viral gastroenteritis, will not suffice.

For ALL Students who have a pre-existing condition that presents itself with COVID-like symptoms (runny nose, cough, etc.)

Obtain a written diagnosis from the healthcare provider of a known chronic condition with unchanged symptoms.

The note from the healthcare provider must detail the pre-existing condition, along with all-related symptoms, and must indicate that COVID is not suspected.

For ALL Students who present with COVID-like symptoms and have tested positive for COVID within the last 90 days:

your child must remain out of school until:
- All symptoms are improving
- Individual has been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication
- If symptoms are not improving, individual should contact a medical provider for guidance
- your child DOES NOT need a negative COVID test to return

FOR FULLY VACCINATED Students ONLY

Fully vaccinated is defined as fourteen (14) days post 2nd shot of Pfizer or Moderna OR single shot of Johnson & Johnson.

For Fully Vaccinated Students Who Have A COVID Exposure and Do Not Have Symptoms:

No quarantine period required, unless the individual becomes symptomatic
Your child should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your child’s last close contact with someone with COVID-19 (the date of last close contact is considered day 0).
Get tested at least 5 days after your child last had close contact with someone with COVID-19
Monitor personal health. If symptoms appear, follow appropriate protocols

For Fully Vaccinated Students Who Have Traveled Internationally Within The Past Seven (7) Days:

Please note: These rules do not apply to domestic travel. Currently there are no restrictions or testing requirements related to return after domestic travel.

your child must:
- Get tested for COVID via rapid or lab-based PCR test within 3-5 days after return from travel
- Remain out of school until COVID test results are received
- Can return to school upon receipt of a negative test result, or after seven (7) days if a COVID test is not performed and your child are asymptomatic.

FOR UNVACCINATED OR PARTIALLY VACCINATED STUDENTS ONLY

For Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated Students Who Have A COVID Exposure and Do Not Have Symptoms:

Individual must quarantine for five (5) days from date of exposure
Your child should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your child’s last close contact with someone with COVID-19 (the date of last close contact is considered day 0).
Testing is recommended (either Rapid or PCR) at least 5 days after your child last had close contact with someone with COVID-19.
Monitor personal health. If symptoms appear, follow appropriate protocols

For Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated Students Who Have Traveled Internationally Within The Past Seven (7) Days:

Please note: These rules do not apply to domestic travel. Currently there are no restrictions or testing requirements related to return after domestic travel.

Your child must:
- Remain out of school for seven (7) days following the date of return
- Get tested for COVID via a lab-based PCR test within 3-5 days after return from travel