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COVID RELATED UPDATES

Good Afternoon,

I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday!  I cannot believe that we will be "ringing in the New Year" this weekend! Despite it being the holiday break, it has been a busy week with COVID related updates...

COVID Rapid Tests for Distribution in School Districts
As you may have heard or read about in the news, Governor Hochul has secured at home rapid COVID tests for school districts that will be available after the New Year.  NYSDOH is currently trying to coordinate a shipment of said rapid test kits via BOCES to all school districts for distribution to our families. Tests may be used for testing of students and staff returning from holiday break. This is an approach that may help prevent COVID-positive asymptomatic individuals from returning to school. To be clear, there is no requirement to test, simply an attempt at helping parents and educational staff members access reliable and quick testing options as part of the solution in keeping schools open.  More information about the availability and distribution of the tests will be shared with our HCS families as it becomes available (hopefully soon).    

NYS Return to Work Isolation Guidance
NYSDOH pushed out a "Return to Work" guidance document this week in response to the CDC guidelines which allows for essential workers to return to work after five days instead of ten days following confirmed COVID positive case.  Ontario County DOH has confirmed that they will allow for a 5 day return to work for essential workers (school employees do qualify) within the ten day isolation period, as outlined in the NYSDOH document:
  • The individual is a healthcare worker or other critical workforce member (school personnel are included in guidance appendix).
  • The individual is fully vaccinated.
  • The individual is asymptomatic, or, if they had mild symptoms, when they return to work they must: 
    • Not have a fever for at least 72 hours without fever-reducing medication 
    • Have resolution of symptoms or, if still with residual symptoms, then all are improving 
    • Not have rhinorrhea (runny nose) 
    • Have no more than minimal, non-productive cough (i.e., not disruptive to work and does not stop the person from wearing their mask continuously, not coughing up phlegm) 
  • The individual is able to consistently and correctly wear a well-fitting face mask, a higher level mask such as a KN95, or a fit-tested N95 respirator while at work. 
  • Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are not eligible to return to work under this guidance.
  • Note: The ten day isolation period for all other activities will remain intact.
We may anticipate that we will hear and learn more about the Return to Work guidance as we enter the New Year.

"Return to Play" Reminder and Update

Last winter, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that "individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should not exercise until they are cleared by a physician. It is suggested they visit primary care physician (PCP), who will review local 14-point preparticipation screening evaluation with special emphasis on cardiac symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath out of proportion for upper respiratory tract infection, new-onset palpitations, or syncope and perform a complete physical examination. If the preparticipation screening evaluation and examination are normal, the patient may begin a gradual return to play after 10 days have passed from date of the positive test result and a minimum of 24 hours symptom free off-fever reducing medications. If the PCP identifies any new or concerning history or physical examination findings at this visit, an ECG should be performed and referral should be made to a pediatric cardiologist for evaluation and further testing."

On Friday, December 3rd, the Finger Lakes/Western NY COVID Pediatric Return to Play Workgroup released a revision to the Pediatric Return to Exercise After COVID-19 Algorithm. The "Return to Play" protocol now applies only to the following higher risk groups: 

  • Students 5 years and older with moderate to severe symptoms, AND 

  • Students 12 years and older who participate in high intensity exercise/competitive sports regardless of symptom severity.

Note:

  • Children under the age of 12 years with mild symptoms no longer need any healthcare provider assessment or note to return to full physical activity once they are released from a minimum of 10 days isolation.

  • Athletes in competitive/high intensity school sports 12 years and older will continue with the same protocol for healthcare assessment and release for gradual return to play.

  • The HCS "Return to Play" documents are attached to this communication for your reference and convenience. 

  • Please feel free to reach out with any questions surrounding the "Return to Play" protocol to the following individuals:


Welcoming our BULLDOGS Back to School on 1/3/2021
We fully anticipate welcoming our students and staff back to school on Monday, January 3.  There is NO plan at this juncture to close schools. If we are able to adequately and safely staff our buses, cafeterias, and classrooms, we will remain open.  Thank you in advance for your support of our efforts to continue to offer 100% in person learning: 
  • The Omicron variant appears to be more transmissible than previous versions, while also appearing less severe.  Any child or adult who has been exposed to COVID illness or is feeling ill should please stay home.  
  • Universal masking is required. "Above the nose is how it goes."
  • Physical distancing must be practiced.
  • Hand washing is an important mitigation strategy to help stop the spread of germs and viruses.
We look forward to seeing and serving all of our students in 2022!  Thank you for your patience and understanding as we strive to best ensure the safety and well being of HCS students, faculty and staff. Thank you for your continued support of the district and our work in advocacy for HCS students. Be safe and be well!

Sincerely,
E. Bridget Ashton

Elizabeth Bridget Ashton
Superintendent, Honeoye Central School District
8528 Main Street
Honeoye, New York 14471
[email protected]
On Twitter: @EBridgetAshton 
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov Source: New York State DOH