2021-22 School Coronavirus Resources

As the situation with COVID-19 continues to change, BOCES 2 will post frequent updates, useful news items and official county, state and federal links on this page.

The Monroe County Department of Health recently released an updated School COVID 19 Guide. We encourage our BOCES 2 educational community to review the document and in particular, the information regarding isolation and quarantine guidance which is hyperlinked within the Guide.

You should also be aware that the Monroe County DOH is no longer issuing isolation or quarantine orders. If you need documentation, you should use the NYS Affirmation of Isolation or NYS Affirmation of Quarantine forms in place of orders.

The mask mandate in New York schools was lifted as of March 2, 2022. In accordance with that, NYSDOH released updated masking guidance and an FAQ document:

It is important to note that those making the personal choice to wear or not wear masks will be supported. In addition, we will continue providing masks and home test kits for those who request them. Significant highlights from the new guidance include:

Masking
•    Masking for staff/students is optional, including on school buses and vans.
•    Masking is required when staff/students return from isolation during days six through 10 after a COVID-19 infection. Staff/students who refuse to mask after a COVID infection must remain home for the duration of the 10 days.  

Exposure to COVID
•    The definition of “exposure” for close contact purposes means, in a setting where masks are not worn, anyone within a six-foot radius of an infected person is considered exposed.
•    Regardless of vaccination status, staff/students are recommended, but not required, to be tested if exposed to an infected person. The DOH recommends testing immediately upon exposure and again at least five days after the last date of exposure. Staff/students may still come to work/school even if exposed. Staff/students who test positive, or develop symptoms after exposure, must stay home.
•    Masking is recommended for staff/students for 10 days after exposure.

Symptomatic staff/students
•    Staff/students experiencing COVID symptoms must go/remain home and cannot return to work/school unless they can produce a negative test and have an improvement of symptoms. Negative home tests are acceptable for return to work/school purposes.
•    If staff/students with symptoms choose not to test, they must remain home for at least five days. In this scenario, the staff/students are required to wear a mask for days six through 10 after returning to work/school.

Notification
•    Staff/students will be notified by BOCES when possible exposure has occurred in the workplace/classroom. Again, in cases of exposure, testing is recommended but not required, as long as staff/students are asymptomatic.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we continue to abide by the guidance and thank you for your support throughout this pandemic. 

Quarantine is for people who have been exposed, but have no symptoms. Isolation is for people who have tested positive or who have symptoms. Click here for details on what you should do.

BOCES has stressed the importance of masking from the start of the pandemic. As we are reaching the peak stages of Omicron, the CDC has recently revised its masking recommendations which are endorsed by the Monroe County Department of Public Health. We encourage our educational community to follow these updated CDC recommendations: Improve How Your Mask Protects You | CDC which includes the following advice:

It is recommended that KN95 masks be worn for 3-5 days before they should be disposed of. Please note that KN95 masks are not required; they are an option.

Click here to view a text-only version of the 2021-21 School Opening Plan

585-352-2420

Need testing for COVID? Find a test site near you: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you

As children, parents, caregivers, faculty and staff prepare for a new school year, help is available for ALL New York residents through NY Project Hope. Call the statewide Emotional Support Helpline at 1-844-863-9314 any day from 8 am-10 pm to talk with trained crisis counselors who provide a listening ear, as well as information and referrals to community resources. The calls are free, confidential and anonymous. Visit the NY Project Hope website to find coping tips and relaxation strategies. Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more supportive information. Read More Here: Final Parent School Year Article NYPH 8.21 .pdf