The district was notified today, Tuesday, Dec. 2, of two new positive cases of COVID-19 that involve both the Watervliet Elementary School and Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School communities. The two individuals are currently in isolation and will not return to school until cleared by the Albany County Department of Health.
Neither individual has been on school campuses since Monday, Nov. 23, before Thanksgiving recess. Based on preliminary information from the Albany County Department of Health, no other individuals or classrooms are required to quarantine at this time. Any students or staff members who are considered contacts will be notified directly by the state Department of Health on the need to quarantine or be tested.
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.
At this time, all Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School classrooms remain open for in-person instruction. Watervliet Elementary School will continue with remote learning through Friday, Dec. 4 due to the number of students, teachers and staff who are currently in quarantine as a result of previous positive cases.
It is important that families continue to complete the district’s COVID-19 health screening/attestation for all students every morning before school.
In addition, 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.
(This information was sent to WCSD families and staff via One Call Now email on 12/2/20.)