Dear School Community:
In an effort to keep you as informed as possible about the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued effects on our district, please watch my latest video message. I communicate several, important updates. 
In summary:
· The three-day average of positive COVID-19 cases in Oneida County is increasing, and now stands at 25.
· In October, the New York State Department of Health issued updated COVID-19 guidelines for public schools, specifically pertaining to symptoms, screening, contact tracing and travel.
· New York State has implemented a “micro-cluster” strategy, or a way to determine and limit outbreaks in specific regions of the state. A three color system is being used.
o Red (high infection zone) – specific region has an infection rate of 5 percent or higher.
o Orange (warning zone) – specific region has an infection rate of 4 percent or higher.
o Yellow (precautionary zone) – specific region has an infection rate of 3 percent or higher.
o Schools in a red or orange zone/region must close until the infection rate drops back below 4 percent.
o Schools in a yellow zone/region can remain open as long as 20 percent of staff/students are randomly tested on a weekly basis, among other mandates.
· An individual (staff member or student) sent home from school with COVID-19 symptoms must now be seen by a healthcare provider and either cleared by their healthcare provider or tested within 48 hours. The failure to do so in a timely fashion will result in the Oneida County Health Department classifying the individual as positive, resulting in mandatory contact tracing and the possible 14-day quarantine of several individuals.
· An individual traveling to New York State from another state or country must now test negative at least three days prior to arriving, quarantine for three days after arriving and then be re-tested no sooner than four days after arriving. An individual who tests positive after re-testing must continue to quarantine/isolate for a 14-day period.
It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the district to monitor, enforce and meet all requirements concerning testing and travel, particularly during the holiday season. Contact tracing and mandatory quarantines could also lead to a shortage of substitutes.
To err on the side of caution and best protect the health and safety of staff and students – and instead of having to potentially convert to remote instruction on short notice – the district is considering converting to 100 percent remote instruction from November 30 to January 19, a total of 27 instructional days. The district has yet to make a final decision, and welcomes your feedback.
As always, the safety and well-being of our students, staff and community are our number one priority. Thank you for your continued cooperation, understanding and support.
Sincerely,
Rocco Migliori Superintendent of Schools
Click here to watch my video message.
Click here to view updated COVID-19 guidelines from the New York State Department of Health.