COVID-19 Updates from the NYC Department of Education

  From Chancellor Carranza:
Working in close partnership with the Health Department, we will continue to update our protocols as the situation evolves, and communicate about any possible impact to parents and our school communities. We will keep all of our latest information on our website at schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus.

There are no plans to close schools at this time. This is an extreme measure that can be disruptive to day-to-day life, and the decision to implement will only be taken at the direction of public health experts. As a reminder, it is critical that all New Yorkers continue to practice general viral infection prevention measures including:
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve
• Wash your hands regularly
• Avoid touching your face
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Get your flu shot – it’s never too late
• Stay home if you’re feeling sick. Call your doctor and let them know your symptoms and travel history.

The health and safety of our students and staff continues to be our chief priority, and we will follow all guidance and take all appropriate measures accordingly. While we are taking measures seriously, we will not respond to fear.

We are continuing to work to minimize the impact of the coronavirus.
This includes:
-Increasing deep cleanings in classrooms and throughout the school with CDC-approved cleaning disinfectant.
-Ensuring that bathrooms are continuously stocked with soap and paper towels.
-Having facemasks on hand to be used if a student or staff member exhibits symptoms and requires isolation prior to transport to a doctor and/or testing.
-Making time for handwashing, especially before meals, and making changes as needed to ensure students have the time to wash hands.

 What if a student feels sick in school?
 In the event a student is sick, complaining of fever, cough, or shortness of breath, that child will be taken to the school nurse.
 The nurse will ask the student to wear a face mask, call for parental pick up, and recommend calling a medical provider for instructions.
 Any student with respiratory symptoms and fever will wait in a supervised setting with a closed door, away from other students.

What if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in my school?
 You will immediately be notified.
 Per New York State, if there is a confirmed case in a school, the school must be closed for at least 24 hours while DOHMH investigates and determines whether additional closure is neede

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