Health & Safety Procedures

HELPFUL LINKS

SUMMARY OF DOE POLICY UPDATES - JANUARY 2022

Accepted Tests: PCR, Lab Rapid, Mail-in Rapid, and Home Rapid tests are now all accepted as a confirmed positive case. It is still recommended that persons testing positive on a home test get PCR confirmation for their medical records.

Surveillance Testing: The number of students tested in school will include vaccinated students. Please log in to your NYC Schools Account and submit consent for testing ASAP. If you need a sign-up code. Please fill out the Tech Support Request Form. Parental consent is required for COVID testing, and consent did not roll over from last year.

Any student who tests positive on a home test, rapid test, or PCR test, must immediately notify the school and stay home for 5 days. See the updated Decision Charts for guidance.

Students who test positive for COVID-19: Follow the links below for next steps.

Students who are exposed to COVID-19 in their classroom: Students will no longer be required to quarantine when exposed in school to a person who tests positive for COVID-19. All students in a classroom where someone tests positive for COVID-19 will be considered a close contact and will be given two home tests. Students and families must:

Take the 1st home test on the date notified of exposure
Take the 2nd home test 5 days after their most recent exposure to the person(s) testing positive
Monitor for symptoms & stay home if any symptoms develop

Students who are exposed to COVID-19 outside of school: Actions to take will vary depending upon whether the student is vaccinated or not, and whether the student has tested positive in the last 90 days.

Students who have symptoms of COVID-19: Follow the links below for next steps.

Students who develop COVID-19 symptoms while at school: Students and staff who develop symptoms of COVID-19 will be given two home tests, and can only return to school under the following conditions:

Your child may not attend school until they receive negative results on both of these home tests taken within 24 hours of each other and have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication OR if your child receives a negative test result from a PCR COVID test.
If your child tests positive on either home test, your child must isolate for 5 days following the first positive result. Please contact your child’s school immediately and report the test results.
Any student who tests positive on a take-home test should immediately report it to the school and begin isolating. Students who test positive must isolate for 5 days and can return to school on Day 6, if they have been fever-free for 24 hours. No negative test is required to return to school.

ACON Flowflex COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test kit instructions in various languages:

Updated Health Screening Form: The health screening form has been updated to reflect the new guidance. Please print out a new form, or continue to submit it electronically. Updated Health Screening Form

Updates and Reminders from NEST+m

Masks: Masks that cover the mouth and nose continue to be mandatory. We strongly encourage students and staff to wear high-quality masks- N95, KN95, or KF94. Surgical masks are encouraged if your child is not able to wear a 95 or 94 mask. Cloth masks are permitted if they are the only mask your child can wear properly, but if they can wear a better mask, please have them do so. We have surgical masks available for students who need them.

Lunch Safety: The weather is cold now, and we have transitioned to the cafeteria for mealtimes. To limit the spread of particles, there is no talking while eating- meal time = quiet time. This applies to snack time and classroom lunch for K-5 students as well.

Outdoor option: students can continue eating outside. If your child is in grades K-5, please inform their teacher that they should go outside to eat. Please ensure that your child is also aware of this plan.

Reporting a Positive Case: Please continue to report positive cases of COVID-19 (rapid home test, mail-in PCR, lab rapid test, or PCR) via the COVID-19 Reporting Form. Contact tracing responsibilities are now the school's domain, so this form is essential in helping us streamline the process and communicate quickly with the school community.

Students who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate at home for 5 days, and can return to school on day 6 so long as they pass the health screening. Day 1 for COVID cases is the day symptoms began or the date tested for asymptomatic cases. If your child tested positive, please refer to this chart to see when they can return to school: COVID Reference Dates.

School Communication Regarding Cases: We will continue to share updates about impacted classrooms with the school community. These communications will now include exposure dates and dates that students and staff must take tests at home.

Absences: Some families are not comfortable sending their children to school amid this surge. This is, of course, a family decision. Absences will be excused, but we are not able to offer a remote program at this time. Teachers will share work in google classroom, and students will not be penalized for their absence, but they will miss instruction. Even when they are excused, long-term absences will impact student learning and performance. We trust families to make the decision that is right for them. If your child is going to be absent, please use the appropriate form to report their absence.

Stay Home if You Feel Sick

The Omicron variant is spreading rapidly, and in many cases, it presents as a mild cold. If your child has any of the symptoms on the CDC website, keep them home and get them tested. Symptoms include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

COVID VACCINE INFORMATION

An important message from the NYC Department of Health and Hygiene.

If you have a child who is at least 16 years old, you are encouraged to make a vaccination appointment for them as soon as possible by visiting vaccinefinder.nyc.gov. You can also call 877-VAX-4-NYC (877-829-4692) for help making an appointment at a City-run vaccination site.

By getting your child vaccinated, you are helping to protect them from COVID-19 and making your community safer. Also, please consider vaccination for yourself and other household members age 16 and older, if not vaccinated already. Vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect you and your family from COVID-19. While we encourage everyone age 16 and older to get vaccinated, vaccination is especially important for those with an underlying health condition, such as asthma, obesity or diabetes. The same is true for those who live in a multigenerational household or with a person who is at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness. Vaccination is provided at no cost to all and regardless of immigration status.

Of the vaccines currently available in the United States, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people age 16 and 17. The Pfizer vaccine has been shown to be safe and very effective at protecting people from severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and death.

While you may be asked about health insurance, it is not required. Your insurer may be billed by the vaccinating provider, but you will not be charged a copayment or other fee.

A Few Things to Know About the Pfizer Vaccine:

• Type of vaccine: mRNA (see How the mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Work).

• Number of shots: two shots, 21 to 42 days apart

• How it is administered: a shot in the muscle of the upper arm

• Does not contain eggs, animal products, preservatives, latex, or the virus that causes COVID-19.

• Side effects are usually mild to moderate and may include soreness or swelling on the arm where you got the shot, headache, body aches, tiredness and fever. Side effects are more common after the second shot and less common in older adults. Side effects usually last about one to two days after they begin.

• Your child cannot develop COVID-19 from the vaccine.

For more information about the vaccine, see the FDA factsheet.

Where Can My Child Get Vaccinated?

Visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov to find a site that offers the Pfizer vaccine. There are many places in NYC where your 16- or 17-year-old can receive the Pfizer vaccine, including most hospital clinics. If your child’s doctor is affiliated with a hospital, check with them about available appointments.

Sites that offer the Pfizer vaccine include:

• Some NYC-run vaccination sites, including Citi Field (Queens), Martin van Buren (Queens), Teacher’s Prep (Brooklyn), and Empire Outlets (Staten Island)

• Hospitals and hospital clinics, including NYC Health + Hospitals acute care hospitals

• Certain Federally Qualified Health Centers and community health centers

• Pharmacies, including select CVS and Walgreens/Duane Reade locations

How Should We Prepare for an Appointment?

Your 16- or 17-year-old will need to bring their vaccine appointment confirmation.

Additional Considerations

1. For minors under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent to vaccination, either in person or by phone at the time of the vaccine appointment. Minors must present identification to verify that they are at least 16 years of age or have a parent present to attest on their behalf.

2. Some vaccination sites may require proof of NYC residency or residency within a certain borough or ZIP code. Learn about acceptable proof residency documentation at nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

3. Everyone must complete the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Form in order to get vaccinated.

4. You do not need to show proof of immigration status or a social security number. Immigration status does not need to be confirmed when registering for or attending a vaccine appointment.

5. Children with disabilities may be eligible for free transportation to and from vaccination sites. Services are provided courtesy of the Curb app. After booking a vaccination appointment, participants will be screened and directed to Curb’s 24/7 call center. The call center helps book the trip by taxi or ambulette service as appropriate.

You or your eligible teen may have additional questions about COVID-19 vaccines. We encourage you to discuss any concerns with your child’s primary care provider so you and your child can feel confident about your choice.

You can also read answers to frequently asked questions on the NYC Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccine facts page. Visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine for more information.

Sincerely,

Daniel H. Stephens, M.D.

Deputy Commissioner,

Division of Family and Child Health NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

COVID-19 TESTING

COVID-19 TESTING CONSENT FORM

All students and staff are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 regularly. Priority testing for staff and students is available.

The DOE will conduct random testing of students and staff in all schools.

DAILY HEALTH SCREENING

DAILY HEALTH SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE

To keep everyone safe and healthy, anyone entering an NYCDOE building- students, staff, parents, and other visitors, must complete a daily health screening prior to entering. The health screening can be done digitally or families can fill it out on paper, and bring it to school.

Students who do not arrive to school with a completed digital or paper copy of the form completed will be asked to complete a health screening on-site.

STAYING HEALTHY & SAFE IN SCHOOL

Face Coverings: N95, KN95, or KF94 masks are highly recommended.

Hand Hygiene: Clean hands help make healthy bodies. Students will use hand sanitizer before entering the classroom and must wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom. See this video from the CDC with helpful information on hand-washing.

Ventilation: To ensure proper ventilation classroom windows & hallway windows will be open. Classroom doors will also remain open to allow for air circulation.

Bathroom Capacity: No more than two students can be in the restroom at a time.

Health Screening: All students and staff will complete a daily health screening prior to entering the building. Students will be randomly tested for COVID-19 in school. In-person students must fill out a Consent Form.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I FEEL SICK AT HOME?

Anyone who is feeling sick with symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 must stay home, and fill out the COVID Positive Case Reporting Form. Also, please report your child's absence by filling out the Attendance Form.

For a complete list of symptoms associated with COVID-19, please visit the CDC website.

Stay Home if You Feel Sick

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

WHAT HAPPENS IF I FEEL SICK AT SCHOOL?

Students who develop symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 while at school, will be escorted to our designated isolation room. The area/classroom where the student was showing symptoms will be cleaned as soon possible, and a deep-cleaning of the area/classroom must be performed at the end of the day.

Please see NYS Department of Health Guidance on how to assess a student's or staff member's health status.

When the ill student is placed in the Isolation Room, the building nurse will be contacted and will come to the Isolation Room and assess the student.

Once the student is in the isolation room, school staff calls the student’s guardian for pick up. The student will be released to the guardian once the health assessment is completed.

Students and staff who develop symptoms at school are advised to visit a doctor and get tested for COVID-19, at the closest testing site. Families are asked to keep the school informed of any changes in symptoms or test results