January 14, 2022
Dear School Community:
As you know, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Oneida County Department of Health (OCDOH) have made numerous changes to COVID-19 quarantine and isolation policies over the past two weeks. The changes included many discrepancies and inconsistencies. 
On Thursday, January 13, 2022, the NYSDOH issued guidance clarifying many of the discrepancies and inconsistencies. As a result, the district formally updated its own isolation and quarantine policies to reflect the latest guidance issued by the NYSDOH. The changes take effect Tuesday, January 18, 2022.
Summary of changes:
1. Universal masking and social distancing of at least three (3) feet are required throughout the day. During times when masks are removed (e.g. breakfast, lunch, snack time, certain music classes, etc.), social distancing of at least six (6) feet must be maintained.
2. For individuals exposed to a positive COVID-19 case for greater than 15 minutes:
· All 2-5 year-olds in the WCS school-based Small Blessings Nursery School and Pre-K programs are expected to quarantine at home for five (5) days or participate in the WCS Test-to-Stay program.
· All fully vaccinated 5-11 year-old students may continue to attend school and ride the bus, but must self-monitor for symptoms.
· All non-fully vaccinated 5-11 year-old students are expected to quarantine at home for five (5) days or participate in the WCS Test-to-Stay program.
· All fully vaccinated and boosted (if eligible) 12-year-old to adult students/individuals may continue to attend or work at school, ride the bus and participate in extracurricular and sporting activities, but must self-monitor for symptoms.
· All fully vaccinated but not eligible for booster 12-year-old to adult students/individuals may continue to attend or work at school, ride the bus and participate in extracurricular and sporting activities, but must self-monitor for symptoms.
· All fully vaccinated but not boosted (if eligible for the booster) 12-year-old to adult students/individuals may continue to attend or work at school but must participate in the WCS Test-to-Stay program or quarantine for five (5) days. Participation in extracurricular or sporting activities is prohibited.
· All non-fully vaccinated 12-year-old to adult students/individuals may continue to attend or work at school but must participate in the WCS Test-to-Stay program or quarantine for five (5) days. Participation in extracurricular or sporting activities is prohibited.
· All individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 90 days, regardless of vaccination status, may continue to attend or work at school, ride the bus and participate in extracurricular and sporting activities for the 5-day quarantine period. Outside the school setting, quarantine recommendations would still apply.
3. Isolation for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, whether asymptomatic or symptomatic, is a minimum of five (5) days. If asymptomatic five (5) days after the onset of symptoms or the first positive test and:
· Fever free for 24-hours without the use of medication;
· Free from a runny nose;
· No more than a minimal cough; and
· If symptoms have resolved or improved…
the isolation period may end, but the wearing of a well-fitting mask for an additional five (5) days is required in all settings.
CLICK HERE for the Test-to-Stay program protocols.
CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE to view helpful flow charts.
Sincerely,
Rocco Migliori
Superintendent of Schools