Clarification on the Legal Status of Pandemic-Related Reopening Guidance

  The District has received a legal opinion confirming that it is compelled to comply with the pandemic-related guidance issued by various agencies (e.g., NYSED, NYDOH, ECDOH, and the Governor’s office).  Compliance with pandemic-related guidance was a specific condition established by Governor Cuomo in order for a school district to be open for instruction for the current school year.  NYSED approval of school district reopening plans was likewise conditioned on compliance with the mandatory elements of the NYSED guidance document first issued on July 16, 2020.  The District had to certify its compliance with SED requirements at the beginning of the school year and maintain compliance thereafter.  The failure of the District to meet its legal obligations and comply with mandatory guidance could result in serious enforcement actions, liability and other adverse consequences.

*****

 Erie County Department of Health COVID-19 Registration and Information


New York State Travel and Quarantine Guidance

Governor Cuomo Domestic Travel Update (Effective April 1, 2021)
NYSDOH COVID-19 Interim Travel Advisory Update (March 10, 2021)
NYSDOH COVID-19 Community Quarantine Update (March 10, 2021)

ECDOH Quarantine Guidance 

ECDOH Quarantine Guidance Based on CDC Recommendations (Updated 2/26/21)

New York State COVID-19 Travel Information

Guiding Documents

Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools During the COVID-19 Global Health Emergency (4-9-21)

New York State Department of Health Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools During the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis: https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Pre-K_to_Grade_12_Schools_MasterGuidence.pdf

New York State Education Department School Reopening FAQ: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/reopening-schools/school-reopening-faq.pdf

Recovering, Rebuilding, and Renewing the Spirit of New York’s Schools: Reopening Guidance: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/reopening-schools/nys-p12-school-reopening-guidance.pdf

Preparing K-12 School Administrators for a Safe Return to School in Fall 2020: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/prepare-safe-return.html

Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19