Edwards-Knox Central School is following the latest guidance from the New York State Department of Health regarding COVID-19. For more information, please review “What Parents/Caregivers Should Know about COVID Mitigation Strategies for the 2022-2023 School Year.”

As the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues, Edwards-Knox Central School is monitoring any changes in guidance from local, state and federal health departments. If there are any changes to protocol at Edwards-Knox Central School, families and staff will be notified.

Illness/positive COVID test

As with any infectious illness, students and staff who test positive for COVID-19, or who show symptoms, are asked to stay home from school and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Isolation Guidance.

• Someone who tested positive and has no symptoms may return to school after day 5.
• Someone who is sick (has symptoms) may return to school after day 5 if they have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving.

People who have been sick, or tested positive, should wear a well-fitting mask through day 10. 

Testing

Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin. 

At-home test kits 

Edwards Knox Central School can provide at-home COVID-19 test kits for students upon request. If you need a home COVID test, please contact School Nurse Erin Geer, RN, at 315-562-8131, ext. 25518.

COVID-19 vaccination

COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to attend school. However, children ages 6 months and older are all eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children older than 5 are eligible for a booster. For more information, visit ny.gov/vaxtoschool.

Masks

Any student or staff member may wear a mask while at school to prevent the spread of illness. Mask-wearing is recommended for at least 10 days following a positive COVID test, or COVID illness.

Health and safety protocols 

Routine cleaning in our school buildings continues to be an important strategy for reducing the spread of illness. High-risk areas such as health offices, classrooms, lunchrooms, athletic rooms, bathrooms and high-traffic areas are cleaned daily. High-touch surfaces such as desks, chairs, light switches and handrails are also cleaned daily. Lunch tables are cleaned after each use.

Questions or concerns

If you have any questions or concerns about the protocol outlined on this page, please contact School Nurse Erin Geer, RN, at 315-562-8131, ext. 25518.