We learned of three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our school community since our last update. Two members of the Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School community and one member of the Watervliet Elementary School community have tested positive for COVID-19.
Contact tracing was completed as per Albany County Department of Health protocols and all individuals identified as having potential exposure at school have been notified and advised of the need to quarantine and monitor for symptoms.
7-Day Test Out of Quarantine
The Albany County Department of Health has given the green light to schools to pilot a 7-Day-Test-Out Policy. Students and staff who have been advised to quarantine due to close contact with a positive case, may return to school after 7 days (instead of 10) if they get tested for COVID-19 after 5 days and receive a negative test result. Testing may be done at your doctor’s office or an urgent care facility. Our district also will offer PCR testing free of charge for students and staff members. COVID-19 testing can be arranged by contacting the school nurse at your child’s school. To participate, parents/guardians must register their child and provide consent directly through the Quadrant Biosciences app.
NOTE: This pilot is limited to K-12 students and staff who do not have a household contact with COVID-19.
Vaccination sites
Several vaccination sites across New York now offer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children from 5 to 11 years and older. In Albany County, one of those sites is located at the Crossgates Mall, in the former Lord & Taylor Store located on the upper level. Parents and guardians can make appointments at this vaccination site by visiting https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
A reminder that COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available for students who are 5 years and older through our Whitney Young School-Based Health Clinic at WJSHS. Call 518-629-3270 to make an appointment.
Your continued cooperation and support of our schools is appreciated as we work together to make this a safe, healthy and successful school year for our students, staff and families. Thank you.
(This notification was sent to WCSD families and staff on Monday, Nov. 29 via One Call Now email.)