State allows new option for schools

DUNDEE--During a Facebook Live broadcast to the community, Dundee Central School Superintendent Kelly Houck gave an update about new guidance from the state about how a student can return to the classroom if they become ill.
Before the new guidance issued last Thursday, students who exhibited symptoms shared with COVID-19 were required to be out of in-person instruction for 10 days or visit a care facility and test negative for COVID-19. A practitioner can now examine the person and write a note saying they feel the symptoms are related to another medical condition such as allergies and the student can return without a COVID test.
Houck said the district sent out the new protocol form to all parents last Friday showing the change. All students are still required to complete daily health screening questions along with having their temperatures taken before school.
Houck added she was surprised the additional measure was approved by the state, as initial indications were that the guidance was not going to change.
"This new pathway allows the doctors to be doctors, but know that is an acceptable pathway now for the child to return to school," said Houck.
Houck also reiterated all testing results are available online for anyone to check daily. The website to do that is https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov.
While Dundee and Yates County have stayed exceptionally low in virus cases compared to the state, Houck said the school is continually preparing for remote learning if needed, so the transition is easier on students. This will also mean snow days will have a new meaning this year. Due to the preparations in place, if the weather does not allow the building to open for instruction, remote protocols will be used instead. This will adjust the school calendar slightly and a new version will be in the next district newsletter.