Message from the Superintendent: Update to COVID Isolation and Quarantine Guidance
Dear Freeport Families,
I hope this finds you and your families safe and healthy. There have been recent updates to the COVID -19 isolation and quarantine periods as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ((CDC). The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has reviewed the COVID- 19 guidance documents and has provided the following clarifications for Isolation and Quarantine guidance for school staff and students. It is important to note that these guidelines continue the requirements of masks and physical distancing in the school settings.
The updated guidance for isolation and quarantine periods is as follows:
5 Day Isolation Period (Positive for COVID)
Students or staff who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate for a minimum of 5 days (regardless of vaccination status).
- If symptoms persist, further isolation will be required; otherwise, they may attend or work at school after the 5-day isolation.
Freeport Public Schools will continue to require release from isolation clearance for students and staff to return after the isolation period ends. Your building administration or school nurse will provide you with further details concerning this prior to your child's return.
Quarantine (Close Contact with a positive COVID-19 individual)
No quarantine period is necessary from school for all fully vaccinated individuals (students, teachers, and staff), who have been considered close contact to an individual with COVID-19 and may continue to attend or work at school, regardless of booster status, while quarantined outside of school.
Fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after the receipt of either two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of Johnson and Johnson vaccine or full course of any other recognized vaccine.
Please note the no quarantine period necessary applies only to participation in classroom activities and taking the bus to and from school. Extracurricular or after school activities: Individuals 12 years and older who are eligible for a booster but not boosted, and who have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, cannot participate in extracurricular or after school activities and, aside from school attendance for instruction and bus travel, must adhere to a 5-day quarantine at home.
Fully vaccinated 5 through 11-year-old children are not eligible for a booster and have no further restrictions.
5 Day Quarantine Period Required:
Students, teachers, and staff who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated who came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should quarantine for at least 5 days (day 0 through day 5) after their last close contact. Should no symptoms develop, the student or staff may be cleared to return to school. If symptoms develop, please get tested and remain in quarantine until you receive results.
Freeport Public Schools will continue to follow the guidelines and regulations as outlined by the NYSDOH. If you have questions regarding this updated guidance, please contact your school building administration. The safety of our staff and students continues to be our highest priority. Wear your masks and practice physical distancing and proper hygiene. If eligible, please get vaccinated or get your booster. Please stay safe and be well.
Regards,
Dr. Kishore Kuncham
Superintendent of Schools