This page will be updated as information becomes available. Last updated August 29, 2022.

As we have throughout this crisis, our District will continue to follow the regulations set by state and local authorities that govern how we may safely deliver instruction.

Currently in Effect

Mask wearing inside District buildings and on school busses is optional under most circumstances.
Our District provides COVID-19 point-of-care testing (with consent) in the event a student or staff member begins exhibiting symptoms during the school day.

Guidance for Schools

Find a Lab-confirmed Test Site Near You

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you

Get Vaccinated!

Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to beat COVID! Anyone age 6 months and older is eligible to receive the vaccine. Information about local vaccination locations is available on the Columbia County Department of Health website.

American Rescue Plan

For information on our District’s use of ARP funds, please visit our American Rescue Plan webpage

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotlines

1-888-TREAT-NY aims to help reduce barriers to treatment for underserved communities. All New Yorkers outside of New York City city, regardless of income or health insurance coverage who test COVID-19 positive, are eligible to be evaluated for treatment by calling that hotline or completing an evaluation at the NYS COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access website, which includes a telemedicine visit.

New York State has established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline which can provide additional information. Call 1-888-364-3065 with questions or concerns about travel and symptoms.

Columbia Memorial Health has also established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 518-828-8249.

NYS Office of Mental Health has established a COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-888-863-9314 or https://omh.ny.gov/

Mental Health and Anxiety Resources/Information

NYS Office of Mental Health COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline 1-888-863-9314 https://omh.ny.gov/

NYS has partnered with Headspace to offer New Yorkers free meditation and mindfulness content at www.headspace.com/ny

About COVID-19

Background

2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that can lead to fever, coughing, trouble breathing and/or shortness of breath. While approximately 80% of cases lead to mild symptoms, there can be life-threatening cases, especially among older adults and those who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. The virus is likely spread through airborne droplets released when an infected person breaths, talks, coughs, or sneezes, by close contact with an infected individual, or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Symptoms

According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), symptoms of the virus most commonly include fever with dry cough, shortness of breath, and pneumonia. Other symptoms reported include tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, diarrhea, and body aches. Some people may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all but may still be contagious.

Prevention

There are currently vaccines available to protect against this new virus. Federal, state, and local health departments recommend these simple steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19:

Get vaccinated
Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose
Stay home whenever possible.
Practice social distancing – stay at least six feet from others and avoid large groups.
If you must go out, wear a mask to cover your mouth and nose.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with anyone from outside your household
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick and keep your children home if they are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as toys, door handles, cellphones, and countertops.

Additionally, if you or a family member begin showing symptoms of a respiratory illness and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider before going there and inform them that a case of COVID-19 is suspected, then follow their advice.

To view documents and information from previous years, please visit our Coronavirus Communications Archive