All 2021-2022 school COVID-19 updates can be found on the district’s 2021-2022 Reopening & COVID-19 Updates page here.

You can also refer to the chart here about the updated quarantine and isolation protocols as of January 7, 2022.

Dear Schodack Families:

Effective today (January 7) our district will adopt new COVID-19 isolation and quarantine protocols in partnership with the Rensselaer County Health Department. This change aligns with updated guidance from the New York State Health Department released earlier this week, which in turn aligns with updated recommendations from the CDC. These changes now override previous guidance and protocols listed in our school opening plan we shared with you back in September 2021.

If you have had a student test positive or placed into quarantine this week, we will reach out to you and discuss what that means for your date of return.

Isolation Changes 

For students and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19

Individuals must isolate themselves at home for 5 days, with Day 1 being the day after symptoms start. If asymptomatic, Day 1 would be the day after you are tested for COVID.

  • If asymptomatic at the end of 5 days, or if symptoms are resolving, the isolation period ends. The individual should then wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.
    • Resolving symptoms include:
      • Not have a fever for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication 
      • If still with residual symptoms, then all are improving 
      • Not have rhinorrhea (runny nose) 
      • Have no more than minimal, non-productive cough (i.e., not disruptive to work and does not stop the person from wearing their mask continuously, not coughing up phlegm) 
  • Individuals who are moderate to severely immunocompromised should continue to follow the standard (aka: not shortened) CDC Isolation Guidance here.
  • Individuals who are unable to wear a well-fitting mask for 5 days after the 5-day isolation period should also continue following the standard (aka: not shortened) CDC Isolation Guidance here. 
Quarantine Changes 

For students and staff exposed to a positive COVID-19 case

Students and staff exposed to COVID-19 should quarantine as follows, with Day 1 being the day after exposure.

  • If not fully vaccinated: Individuals should quarantine at home for 5 days. They should then wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days after that.
  • If fully vaccinated: No quarantine is required but these individuals should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for 10 days following the date of exposure.
    • If possible, testing on Day 5 is recommended with either a nucleic acid amplification test (such as a PCR test) or a rapid antigen test.
    • If symptoms appear, begin quarantining and seek testing. In this situation, quarantine would end when the test is negative. If testing is not done, isolate according to the isolation guidance above. 

Children ages 12 to 15 are also now eligible for Pfizer booster shots. Please visit https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ for more information or to find a vaccine and booster site near you. You may also visit the Rensselaer County Health Department website for other local options available.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate the ever-changing guidance impacting schools. As always, we will continue communicating any changes after they have been discussed with and approved by our local department of health.

Sincerely,

Jason M. Chevrier
Superintendent
Schodack Central School District