The district has learned of six confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the Watervliet school community since our last update sent Friday, Jan. 22.
Four cases confirmed at Watervliet Jr. Sr. High School
A confirmed case reported today involves an individual who was last on campus Tuesday, Jan. 26. School administrators have notified students and staff members who are considered contacts about the need to quarantine, as per health department guidelines. As a result, two classrooms will move to remote learning through Friday, Feb. 5.
All individuals considered contacts of another case reported recently have been notified of the need to quarantine, as per department of health guidelines.
Two other cases involve individuals who participate in our remote learning and have not been on campus.
Two cases confirmed at Watervliet Elementary School
One of the confirmed positive cases involves an individual who was last in the building on Jan. 13; no additional contact tracing was necessary, as per health department guidelines.
The other case involves an individual engaged in remote learning who has not been in school.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict the district from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information and we cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.
In school COVID-19 testing yields negative results
This week, we continued COVID-19 testing of asymptomatic in-person students and staff members at both buildings in a proactive effort to support the health and safety of our school community. We are pleased to report no positive results from the nearly 50 tests completed Monday, Jan. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 27 (today).
On Monday, 23 tests were performed on students and staff at Watervliet Elementary School. All tests returned negative results. Today, a total of 25 in-person students and staff members were tested at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School. Results of those tests were also negative.
School-based COVID-19 testing for in-person learners and staff will follow the schedule below:
- Friday, Jan. 29 at WES
- Monday, Feb. 1 at WJSHS
- Wednesday, Feb. 3 at WES
- Friday, Feb. 5 at WJSHS
Testing for students will be done only with parent/guardian permission. We encourage parents and guardians of in-person students to complete a COVID-19 testing consent form online, if you have not already done so. Please remember to submit one form for each child in grades UPK-12 in your household.
All in-person learners and staff are reminded to please complete the district’s COVID-19 health screening/attestation every day before entering the building or riding the bus. Also, please continue to follow the health safety protocols that are in place for students and staff members:
- Always wear a mask that covers both the mouth and nose when you are out of your home or if someone from outside your household visits your home.
- 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.
- Contact your medical provider if 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.
- Do not come to school if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. In addition, if an individual in your household is symptomatic and is awaiting the results of a COVID test, please do not send your child to school.
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately. COVID-19 testing information is available by calling the New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 364-3065 or on the Albany County Department of Health website.
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.
We thank you for your continued support and patience.
(This update was sent to WCSD families and staff via One Call Now email on Jan. 27)