March 4, 2022

Dear Williamsville Central School District Families and Staff,

With masking now optional and having received updated guidance from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), we wanted to share important information families and staff need to know as we move forward.

Exposure and Notification

• Any individual who was in the same school setting (i.e. bus, classroom) as a COVID-19 positive individual is considered exposed and will be notified
• Regardless of vaccination status, NYSDOH school guidance states individuals who were exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual are not automatically excluded from school and should wear a mask and test as recommended below
• Notification of exposure will now be communicated through WITS and sent directly to parents/guardians and staff members who are impacted

Masking

• Mask wearing, regardless of vaccination status, is strongly recommended for 10 days after an individual’s last exposure to a positive COVID-19 individual
• If an individual tests positive for COVID-19 and returns to school under the reduced isolation guidelines, they must wear a mask on return to school on Days 6 – 10

Testing

• Following an exposure, regardless of vaccination status, it is recommended to test immediately upon learning of the exposure and on day five after the last known exposure
• NYSDOH guidance no longer requires any individual, regardless of vaccination status, exposed to a positive COVID-19 individual to be automatically excluded from school, therefore the District is no longer offering a Test to Stay program
  • If an individual is exposed to a positive COVID-19 individual, a COVID-19 at-home test kit will be provided to families and/or staff members upon request through WITS
  • Each test kit contains two (2) COVID-19 at home tests

Symptomatic Individuals

• Symptomatic individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must stay home
• If an individual tests positive they must isolate for 5 days
• Symptomatic individuals who are not tested must be excluded from school for at least five days following onset of symptoms and until they are fever free for at least 24 hours

Physical Distancing

• Physical distancing will continue to the greatest extent possible

If you have any questions regarding these items, please contact your building.  Thank you for your continued patience and understanding throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,

Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall
Superintendent of Schools