Messages from the Center
-
There is an enormous amount of information on COVID-19 being shared from multiple agencies and organizations on an ongoing basis. This page was created to serve as a repository for current resources for school leaders and staff. It is updated continuously.Questions related to the NYSDOH Guidance Document should be directed to your local health department.
You may also contact the NYSDOH at 1-888-364-3065 or schoolquestionscovid@health.ny.gov
Guidance and Resources On COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Distribution Is Located Below
Questions regarding quarantine and/or retesting of symptomatic individuals who have already tested positive for COVID should be directed to the local or state department of health.
Trending Information and Updates
-
02/25/21 | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Official Website (Updated Daily)
-
02/24/21 | NYSDOH: What You Need to Know- Includes Update on Vaccine Distribution (Updated Daily)
What You Need to Know LAST UPDATED: February 24, 2021 AT 3:50 PMThis info is from the NYSDOH Coronavirus @ https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home- Visit ny.gov/vaccine to get the facts on the COVID-19 Vaccine in New York.
- The new COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Dashboard will update New Yorkers on the distribution of the vaccine including the number of doses received by the state, a breakdown of first or second doses, and the number of persons vaccinated with the first and second doses in each region.
- A Micro-Cluster Strategy is addressing COVID-19 hot spots that have cropped up across the state.
- Look up an address to see if falls into a Red, Orange, or Yellow Zone
- See the restrictions that correspond to each color-coded level of cluster zone
- The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through May 15, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health or directly through insurers.
- If you have been on quarantine due to contact with someone known to have COVID-19:
- a negative test does NOT release you from quarantine.
- It is essential to wait 10 days full days to make sure that no infection appears, even if you have no symptoms, before being released from quarantine.
- Quarantine should last 10 days from the last exposure to a person with known COVID-19.
- In addition, you should continue to monitor yourself for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 for up to 14 days after that last exposure.
- If you have any questions about your period of quarantine, please call your Local Health Department.
- A moratorium on residential evictions is now in place until May 1, 2021 for tenants who have endured COVID-related hardship.
- Indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to no more than 10 people.
- New travel guidelines are in effect that allow out-of-state travelers to “test out” of the mandatory 10-day quarantine.
- To report violations of health and safety restrictions and requirements for businesses, gatherings and individuals, please choose the appropriate link below:
- Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
-
02/24/21 | Executive Order 202.95 Is Not Required For Schools or School Districts At This Time
This information was sent to School Administrators at 6:04 pm today from the NYSDOH Education Constituents TeamDear School Leader:Executive Order 202.95 requires reporting of vaccinated teachers beginning on Wednesday, February 23, and weekly thereafter.Please be advised that schools and school districts are NOT required to report this information at this time, and additional information will be forthcoming.As such, schools and school districts are not required to request reporting of vaccination status or information by employed teachers or other staff at this time.Additional information regarding this Executive Order will be forthcoming. Thank you for your continued dedication to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. -
02/22/21 | NYSDOH Pre-K to Grade 12 COVID-19 Toolkit (February 2021) Translations Available
The NYSDOH Pre-K to Grade 12 COVID-19 Toolkit (February 2021) is now available in Spanish, Chinese, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Russian, Yiddish, Bengali
You can find this resource and translations on the NYSDOH Schools Page here. -
02/18/21 | NYSED Memo: In-Person Learning and COVID-19 Testing and Sports Participation
The Subject line of the most current updated states:
Subject: In-person learning, sports participation and COVID-19 testing (Amended)Click here to read the entire memo which was last updated on 2/18/21.
-
02/12/21 | U.S. Ed Dept. Strategies for Safely Reopening Elementary and Secondary Schools
ED's handbook provides practical examples and roadmaps to provide educators and staff with the tools they need to implement CDC's recommended safe practices for in-person learning The first volume supplements CDC's Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Mitigation.
-
02/11/21 | Governor Cuomo Update Quarantine Guidance to Align with CDC
New York will follow updated CDC quarantine guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals.
On 2/10/2021, the CDC announced that individuals who have received both vaccine doses, and at least two weeks have passed since the second dose, are no longer required to quarantine if they are exposed to someone who is infected with the virus. New York is updating their guidance to follow the CDC.
-
02/10/21 | Updated CDC Operational Strategy for Reopening Schools
School and Program Administrators Operational Strategy for Reopening Schools: Considerations for Returning to In-Person LearningThis document is intended to complement CDC’s guidance, tools, and resources for K-12 schools, including guidance on operating schools during COVID-19 and an overview of testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This operational strategy presents a pathway to reopen schools and help them remain open.Here are the major highlights:
- A color-coded rubric, based on community infection rates, explicitly spells out the levels of in-person instruction that can be done safely under each color.
- Vaccinating teachers and staff is recommended for minimizing risk, but is NOT a prerequisite for safe reopening.
- Masks must be worn properly and universally.
- Keeping six feet of distance between all staff and students as much as possible.
- Regular handwashing.
- Well-planned protocols for contact tracing and swift isolation when an exposure or positive case turns up.
State and Federal Resources
-
- Pre-K to Grade 12 COVID-19 Toolkit (2/1/21) has been updated to reflect the 10-day quarantine in the Health Advisory: Quarantine for Persons Exposed to COVID-19 (12/26/20 revision). Translated versions are below:
- Spanish, Chinese, HaitianCreole, Korean, Russian, Yiddish, Bengali
The information below is available on the NY Forward Phase 4 Industries page under PK-12 Schools. The In-Person Instruction Guidance was updated on 8/26/20.
- Interim Guidance For Sports And RecreationDuring The COVIF-19 Public Health Emergency (NYSDOH 1/22/21)
- Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction At Pre-K-12 Schools Detailed Guidelines (NYSDOH, 7/13/20. Updated 8/26/20)
- Summary Of Changes Made To 8/26/20 Interim Guidance (NYSCSH, 8/27/20)
- Interim Guidance for Sports and Recreation (NYSDOH, 8/15/20)
- Supplemental Guidance (NYSDOH, 8/7/20)
- Summary Guidelines (NYSDOH,7/13/20)
- Reopening Guidance(NYSDOH, 7/13/20)
- NYSDOH Travel Guidance (Scroll to the bottom of the page for FAQs 7/2/20)
- For families who have traveled out of the country call the NYSDOH. CDC Information on International Travel is here.
- Interim Guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure (NYSDOH, 5//31/20)
- SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Testing- Explains what is a diagnostic test, the meaning of a positive or negative result.(NYSDOH, 5/2020)
- Guidance On Contacts of a Contact (NYSDOH, 4/2020)
NYSDOH Guidance questions should be directed to
NYSDOH COVID-19 Hotline:1-888-364-3065 or this new dedicated email for school questions: schoolquestionscovid@health.ny.govPage updated 2/22/21
-
- Reopening Schools Guidance Please note that the FAQ below supersedes this guidance on return to school-you must read the FAQ!
- Press Release: State Education Department Issues Guidance to Reopen New York State Schools (7/16/20)
- School Reopening FAQs (7/22/20)
- Reopening Guidance for Religious and Independent School (7/27/20)
- Eligibility for Interscholastic Athletics, Inclusive Athletic and Extracurricular Activities (9/1/20)
- Responding to the Challenges of Learning in Masked Environments (10/23/20)
NYSED Guidance questions should be directed to ReopeningGuidance@nysed.gov
Page updated 2/26/2021
-
CDC considerations below are meant to supplement—not replace—state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which schools must comply.
CDC Schools and Childcare Plan, Prepare, Respond Webpage
Provides guidance and resources on transmission, prevention, mitigation cleaning, disinfection & hand hygiene, protecting staff, masks, screening, and testing, case investigation and contact tracing, FAQs for Administrators, Teachers, and Parents, including checklists and tips to help plan for in-person, virtual, and at-home learning.Page updated 2/24/21
-
U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Webpage
Provides resources on respiratory and infection prevention, wage, labor, and leave information and information for dislocated workers.
US Department of Labor Control and Prevention Information from OSHA
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
US Department of Labor Respiratory Protection Information from OSHA
- Respiratory Protection for Healthcare Workers. OSHA Video, (January 2011).
- The Difference Between Respirators and Surgical Masks. OSHA Video, (December 2009).
- Respirator Safety. Donning (Putting on) and Doffing (Taking off) and User Seal Checks. OSHA Video, (December 2009).
- OSHA Fit Testing Final Rule: Additional Ambient Aerosol CNC Quantitative Fit Testing Protocols: Respiratory Protection Standard (September 2019).
Page updated 2/26/2021
Testing and Data Resources
-
NYS School COVID-19 Testing and Reporting
BinaxNow™ tests, training, and resources; Limited-Service Labs, Communicable Disease, and ECLRS (Electronic Clinical Lab Reporting)), Executive Orders, Non-Patient-Specific Orders, and Testing Consent.
-
NYS School Report Card | Micro-Cluster Strategy
Provides COVID-19 testing results by school/school regions, State results dashboard by region, NYS Micro-Cluster Strategies, maps, and restrictions, COVID Hot Spot Zones, and contact information for the Governor's Press Office.
School Specific Resources
-
View the most current FAQs. This page is updated continuously as new information is provided.
Page updated 2/26/2021 2:03 AM
-
This page contains information and resources for School Medical Directors.
Page updated 2/26/2021 2:03 AM
-
Page Updated 2/26/2021 2:03 AM
Additional Resources
-
New York City| Other States Reopening Info
NYC 2020–2021 NYC School Reopening Plan, NYC|DOHMH|NYCTest+Trace Corps (T2) COVID Response and NYSCSH Compilation of U.S. States Reopening Plans and Resources.
-
Other Organizations Resources On Reopening
Compilation of resources from the Enterprise Institute, UCLA Center for Mental Health, NASN, NASP, NFHS, NYSAHPERD, NYSPHSAA, American Federation of Teachers, Frontline Education, Learning Policy Institute, and SHAPE America.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
-
CDC and FDA Vaccine Safety and Post Vaccine Management
CDC Resources
CDC TRAIN
Provides continuously updated resources and training for Health Professionals on all topics (including vaccines and best immunization practices).- Who Gets Vaccinated First?
- What to Expect at Your COVID-19 Vaccination Visit
- Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
- Rare Severe Allergic Reactions
- Different COVID-19 Vaccines
- Ensuring Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines
- Ensuring COVID-19 Vaccines Work\Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination
Infection Prevention | Control Considerations for Healthcare Personnel with Systemic Symptoms Following COVID-19 Vaccination
includes suggested approaches for planning on reducing the impact of post-vaccine symptoms on staffing and evaluating and managing post-vaccination symptoms among HCP.V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker
Provides information on how to register and complete a v-safe health check-in (including step-by-instructions with images), troubleshooting, FAQs, and contact information for technical support. These web pages will be continuously updated with additional resources.FDA Resources
FDA COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheets for Recipients and Caregivers
The FDA requires that vaccine recipients or their caregivers are provided with certain vaccine-specific EUA information to help make an informed decision about vaccination.Page Updated 2/20/21
-
Immunization Action Ccoaltion COVID-19 Resource Page
-
NYSDOH COVID-19 Vaccine Web Pages and Vaccine Tracker
NYSDOH COVID Vaccine-Get the Facts Web Page
Provides the most current distribution plan and an App you can use to check your eligibility and if eligible- make an appointment. The current plan does not list school nurses in the distribution list.
NYSDOH COVID-19 Vaccination Information for Providers Web Page
Provides health care providers with information on ordering, receiving, and administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Includes NYSDOH guidance documents related to this topic.Page updated 1/19/21 5:20 PM
-
NYS is currently in Phase 1a and initial groups from Phase 1b of COVID-19 vaccine distribution. School nurses; and school medical directors who are are providing direct care (such as physical exams and in-person assessments) are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the 1a distribution groups. Teachers and educators are in group 1b.
Appointments are REQUIRED to be vaccinated. Note that due to limited supply of the COVID vaccine from the federal government, it could take up to 14 weeks for eligible New Yorkers to schedule their vaccine shot. Click here to learn more.NYSDOH Health Commerce System (HCS) Account Memos: Memos regarding COVID-19 vaccine administration were released by NYSDOH on 1/11/21 through the HCS. They cover details on vaccine administration, information regarding what is needed for proof of occupation/eligibility to receive the vaccine and guidance for the administration of the second dose to providers administering the vaccine. Log in to your HCS account to read these memos in full.
Please contact your local health department, NYSDOH, or the Governor's Office with any questions or concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.
The Governor’s office can be contacted through his website form at https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form or call 1-518-474-8390 from 9 am to 5 pm daily. The NYSDOH may be contacted at COVID19Vaccine@health.ny.gov You can also contact your local health department regarding your eligibility.
Additional Ways to Connect
-
Resources are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute or infer an endorsement of specific vendors or services by the NYSED|NYSCSH. NYSED|NYSCSH is not responsible for the content of the individual organization materials or external website links provided as resources.
