The district was notified today, Tuesday, Dec. 8, of three positive cases of COVID-19 that involve individuals from the Watervliet Elementary School and Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School communities. The three individuals are currently isolating at home and will not return to school until cleared by the Department of Health.

In the case at Watervliet Elementary School, the individual has not been in school since November 23, and the Albany County Department of Health has advised that further quarantine or contact tracing procedures will not be necessary.

In a positive case identified at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School, the individual has not been on campus since November 18, and no additional quarantine or contact tracing procedures are required, according to the health department.

In another case related to Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School, the county health department has indicated additional contact tracing procedures are not necessary due to minimal risk of exposure.

All classrooms at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School and Watervliet Elementary School remain open for in-person teaching and learning at this time.

Please keep in mind that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws do not allow the district to disclose or confirm any personally identifiable information; therefore, we cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.

Please follow the COVID-19 safety precautions that are intended to keep your family safe and help keep our schools open:

• Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet at all times from those you don’t live with.
• Always wear a mask that covers both the mouth and nose when you are out of your home.
• Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
• Wash hands with soap and water frequently when out of your home. If you cannot use soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Don’t touch the eyes, nose or mouth unless your hands are clean.

Do not come to school when you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, congestion or runny nose.

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately. COVID-19 testing information is available on the Albany County Department of Health website or by calling the New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 364-3065. Additionally, testing for symptomatic students is available through our Whitney Young School-Based Health Center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Please call 518-629-3270 to make an appointment.

Please continue to conduct the daily health screening before entering school every day. As always, the health and safety of our students, teachers, staff, and community remains our top priority.

(This information was sent to WCSD families and staff via One Call Now email on 12/8/20.)