Message from the Superintendent: COVID-19 Update – Governor Announces Changing the Micro-cluster Zone Metrics
Message from the Superintendent: COVID-19 Update -
Governor Announces Changing the Micro-cluster Zone Metrics
December 2, 2020
Dear Freeport Families,
Recently, the Governor announced the metrics for the micro-cluster zones will be changing based on the hospitalization rates, case and death rates, available hospital beds and staff levels. These metrics will be set after a review of the post-Thanksgiving data this week. He outlined a
5- step plan to combat the next phase of COVID -19. These steps include strengthening the hospital system, strengthening testing and making it more equitable, keeping schools open, combating small group gatherings in homes to reduce spread, and vaccination. For more information regarding the Governor's updates, please use this link: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-winter-plan-combat-covid-19-surge-new-york-state
Although Freeport Public Schools still has not been identified as being in micro-cluster zones, we must still be prepared in the event this designation is made in the future. If this occurs, the District will need to follow zone designation protocols of testing students and staff in school for COVID in order to remain open for in-person learning. We understand it is of great importance for our families and our students that schools remain open if possible. We will continue to monitor our circumstances, however, and if the District needs to go fully remote we are ready to do so.
At this time, we are planning and preparing for school-based COVID-19 testing in our schools. This initiative requires the cooperation of the District, Nassau County Department of Health, local medical providers, and most importantly, our families and staff to achieve our goal. Further details regarding our on-site testing will be provided as we solidify our plan. The amount of testing needed to remain open will depend on the zone designation for our community.
We still await further guidance from the Governor regarding the new metrics to determine the micro-cluster zones. We will continue to keep you informed as we receive further information and complete our plans. As always, the health and safety of our students and staff remain our highest priority. Please be safe and follow M-S-W: Wear a Mask, Social Distance and Wash your Hands.
Regards,
Dr. Kishore Kuncham