Beginning Monday, Nov. 1, asymptomatic siblings of students who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms will no longer be excluded from school as long as they remain symptom-free. This is a change to school district protocols put in place on Oct. 1.
These asymptomatic students can now attend/stay at school while the symptomatic sibling or family member is awaiting COVID testing, or until that person receives an alternate diagnosis. If the symptomatic family member tests positive for COVID, household members, including asymptomatic students, may be subject to quarantine orders from the local health department. The school district would continue to exclude students who are close contacts of a positive case based on the quarantine protocols set forth by the Albany County Department of Health. Protocols can be found here.
It is important for families to remain vigilant when screening students each day for symptoms of COVID. Symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
When a family member has symptoms of COVID, parents and guardians can choose to keep their asymptomatic students home. If a family does decide to send their asymptomatic child to school, school nurses will work with the family to closely monitor their student. These students will be sent home immediately if they present with any of the symptoms listed above.
The district continues to closely monitor cases in the district and in the community.