On Tuesday, August 22, 2022, the NYS Education Department and the NYS Department of Health released updated guidance aligned to recent CDC guidance for operating schools during the 2022-23 school year.
NY State Guidance for Schools on COVID-19:
Department of Health/State Education Department Letter
Here are some highlights:
• Students and staff exposed to COVID-19 will not have to quarantine. People who were exposed to COVID-19 should follow CDC recommendations to wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days after the exposure and get tested.
• “Test to stay” will end—students will no longer be required to receive a COVID-19 test if exposed to an infected person.
• Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days at home. Those with symptoms may resume attending school after 5 days if they are fever-free without fever reducing medicine for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving and they wear a mask through day 10. CDC guidance indicates that people can use the test-based strategy outlined in its isolation guidance to potentially shorten the duration of post-isolation mask use. Please read the FAQ on these points.
• Universal masking is not required at this time. Local health departments have authority to implement masking requirements.
• Schools will no longer be required to offer or conduct screening testing.
• Schools are not required to test unvaccinated staff.
• Schools are not required to report daily test results to DOH. Schools which operate under a limited service laboratory (LSL) will be required to report positive case results as they occur.
• Schools will not be required to conduct contact tracing.