With the recent news of confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the Capital Region, district officials are continuing to monitor information from local, state and federal officials. The district does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The household connected to Lynnwood Elementary School that self-quarantined due to possible exposure to COVID-19 has been resolved. The source of the possible exposure tested negative for the virus. The self-quarantine has ended as of March 9, 2020.
On Saturday, March 7, Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency in New York, which gives the state certain purchasing and hiring abilities during this time. This declaration does not impact any school or district activities.
At this time, classes and other school events are still being held as planned.
State officials continue to emphasize that the general risk to the public is low and that while we all need to be vigilant and cautious, it is also important to stay calm and not contribute to any undue panic.
We continue to follow all of the guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the New York State Department of Health, Albany County Department of Health and the New York State Education Department in relation to this evolving situation.
Please know that we remain vigilant in our efforts to help prevent the spread of this illness and our students and staff safety is of utmost priority.
Travel and Quarantine Measures
Regarding travel and quarantine measures, the New York State Department of Health has made quarantine mandatory for individuals returning to the United States from a known high-risk exposure area on or after March 4, 2020. Because of this, any student, student family member or employee who has returned from a known high-risk exposure area should notify the Albany County Health Department. In addition, please notify your principal prior to re-entering the school.
District Communications
We will continue to monitor the situation and post any updates on the district website.
If the district becomes aware that one of our students or staff members is diagnosed with COVID-19, we will notify staff and parents/guardians via the district’s School Messenger notification system, which can send e-mails, text messages and phone calls.
Prevention Measures and Resources
For now, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your children is to continue to follow standard preventive practices for influenza. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for guidelines.
It is important to note that exposure to COVID-19 can occur from any person-to-person contact and is not limited to a particular race or ethnicity.