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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is COVID-19 vaccination required in order for students or staff to attend school?

No, the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandated in New York State for school attendance. However, COVID-19 vaccination helps protect eligible people from getting severely ill with COVID-19. All individuals 6 months of age and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For the latest information about vaccine clinics in our area, please visit https://chqgov.com/public-health/covid-19-vaccination-clinics .

  1. Are masks required to be worn in schools?

In most circumstances, students and staff can choose whether or not to wear a mask. However, there are some situations in which masks are still recommended by the CDC and NYSDOH. Masks should be worn following exposure to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status or history of prior COVID-19 infection. Individuals returning to school after testing positive for COVID-19 should wear a mask for five days. 

  1. Do students and staff have to quarantine following exposure to someone with COVID-19?

No. In schools, people who were exposed to COVID-19 should wear a well-fitting mask and get tested. The CDC recommends that those exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status or history of prior COVID-19 infection wear a well-fitting mask for 5 days in public indoor settings including schools and test on or after day 5 or sooner if symptoms develop.

  1. When should a student or employee be sent home or stay home?

The CDC continues to recommend that people stay home when sick. Any student or employee who has symptoms of any respiratory illness such as fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, should stay home for 24 hours or until symptoms improve and fever-free without fever-reducing medication. Students or staff who experience symptoms during the school day may be sent home. Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin.

  1. What are the current isolation requirements for students and staff who test positive for COVID-19?

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 should remain home and away from others for 24 hours or until symptoms improve and fever-free without fever-reducing medication.

  1. Can a student or employee be tested at school for COVID-19?

Schools will provide home test kits for use by students or staff who are symptomatic or who have been exposed to COVID-19. Screening or diagnostic testing will not be offered in the school setting at this time.