January 20, 2022
Re: Updated Health Guidance
Dear Parents, Guardians, Caregivers,
We are approaching two years of working through the changing circumstances of the pandemic. We remain aware of national and local circumstances and regularly receive reports from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and the Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD). In a world of instant communication and quickly changing guidelines, this also requires our patience with the process to fully understand the implications here at West Genesee.
Since my last letter of January 6, 2022, there have been revisions from the NYSDOH and the OCHD to respond to changing circumstances. Below you will find links to documents that may help clarify the most updated information. Please look at the flowchart found here that may help you to better understand isolation and quarantine periods, and best practices relative to health and safety.
Procedurally, local and state health officials will no longer contact trace in the same way as in past months. Rather, the interview relative to a COVID+ case will include a request to communicate with close contacts. This is a transition to that of personal responsibility and communication that is specific to each situation.
West Genesee will continue to ensure that members of the school community, including students, staff, and teachers, who test positive for, develop symptoms of, or are exposed to COVID-19, have access to the information they need to take appropriate steps to protect themselves and others. This may include isolating or quarantining, notifying close contacts, staying home when ill, monitoring symptoms, and wearing a well-fitting mask. Isolation and quarantine attestation forms, and related information are available at state and local health department websites.
Special Request and Thank you
Please join me in thanking those in the Health Offices of each building; nurses and clerical staff. Their support of our students, families, and staff has increased beyond what was already a significant influence in pre-pandemic days. I ask for your continued patience and grace in working with these dedicated individuals who are often tasked with communicating information that is difficult and/or confusing.
Thank you for your continued partnership in these ever-changing dynamics.
West Genesee Stronger Together!
David C. Bills
Superintendent of Schools
West Genesee Central School District
COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine flowchart
Updated Guidance for COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine
Updated Isolation and Quarantine Guidance and Tables