The district learned on Tuesday, Oct. 13, that a member of the Herkimer Elementary School community has tested positive for COVID-19. In accordance with Department of Health recommendations, students and staff identified by the DOH are moving to remote instruction at this time.
The district has been in contact with the families of students who are shifting to remote instruction, and is working closely with the Department of Health to identify this individual’s contacts at the school. Affected rooms will be closed for 24 hours and be deep cleaned and sanitized.
This message is not meant to alarm you. We know it is important to keep you informed while also respecting the federal and state laws that prohibit the release of confidential medical information. Below are answers to questions that students, staff and families may have:
How do I know if I have been exposed?
While privacy laws restrict the district from publicly identifying anyone who has tested positive, you will be contacted directly if it is determined that your household has been in close contact with the virus. Read more about Herkimer CSD’s notification procedures.
What happens now?
Any students or staff members who have been in close contact with this positive case will be directly contacted by the Department of Health within 24 to 48 hours to discuss how long they should self-quarantine and other health-related instructions.
If you are not contacted by the Department of Health but would like to be tested, please talk with your healthcare provider or visit this website to find a testing location near you: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you
Should my child come to school?
At this time, our schools remain open for in-person instruction. The affected classes will continue remote learning until health officials determine it is safe to bring those classes back for in-person instruction. We continue to work closely with the Department of Health and follow their guidance on how to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.
Students and their families are asked to continue conducting health checks each morning before school. If anyone in your household is ill, or has been exposed to COVID-19, no one from your household should come into the school building. Read more about our Return to School protocol to learn when your child can return to in-person instruction after illness or exposure.
What is being done to keep students safe at school?
Masks, social distancing, hygiene, small class sizes and rigorous cleaning practices all work together to help limit the spread of illness in the school. We appreciate your continued cooperation with all these procedures. Please contact the principal directly if you would like more information about our health and safety procedures. Questions about COVID-19 isolation, quarantine or contagion can be directed to the local Department of Health.