• Overview
• Isolation and Quarantine
• What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID-19, or Were Exposed to Someone Who Has COVID-19
• Schools (K-12) and Quarantine
• Isolation and Quarantine Affirmation Forms
• Guidance & FAQs
• Resources

Click Here to See the Updated Isolation & Quarantine Guidance and Tables

NYSDOH is providing the following clarifications to assist school leadership in continuing to provide in-person instruction. NYSDOH recognizes the CDC priority of safely providing in-person instruction, as well as the importance of multi-layer mitigation strategies in place in K-12 school settings. Click here for details. 

Click Here to Read Full NYSDOH Memo

NYSDOH Office of School COVID Support - School Tests - Letter to Schools

The Office of School COVID Support (formerly Education Constituents Group)

Please see the attached document: Revised Updated Testing and Quarantine Supplemental Information to the “Update - Interim NYSDOH Guidance for Classroom Instruction in P-12 Schools During the 2021-22 Academic Year.” on the NYSDOH Schools and Youth page under Guidance for Schools.

This is the latest iteration of the Updated Testing and Quarantine Supplemental Information memo. It updates information provided in the last version, which was dated December 3, 2021. The most substantive changes were made to Section I: Test to Stay. Additional clarifying information related to mask breaks and use of over-the-counter tests (see Sections V and Section VIII, respectively) was also added.
 

SED, in consultation with the Department of Health, would like to bring to your attention our concerns regarding ionization technology and the reasons why we do not recommend it. Our concerns center around the potential for these devices to generate by products such as ions, fine particles and reactive chemicals that would likely decrease indoor air quality and may present a health risk to students and staff. Unfortunately, we have found that there is not always adequate documentation to show that these devices are safe and effective and meet manufacturer claims.

NYSDOH Acting Health Commissioner, updated the Commissioner's Determination to Indoor Masking Pursuant to 10 NYCRR 2.60 on 12/10/21. 
For more information the press release is linked here: Governor Hochul Announces Major Action to Address Winter Surge and Prevent Business Disruption as COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations Rise Statewide (ny.gov)

Requirement for COVID-19 Testing for Teachers and other School Employees—with Opt-Out for Vaccinated—Passes Public Health and Health Planning Council; Read the Regulation Here and the DOH Determination Letter on the NYSDOH page Here Under Guidance for Schools

Announcements

• Governor Kathy Hochul Announces #VaxtoSchool Campaign to Drive COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Among School-Aged New Yorkers Statewide (9/8/21) 
  
• Governor Hochul Announces New Requirements and Guidance for the Safe Reopening of New York Schools (9/3/21)
  Requirement for COVID-19 Testing for Teachers and other School Employees—with Opt-Out for Vaccinated. 
  

Executive Orders

• Governor Hochul Signs Executive Order to Significantly Expand Eligible Workforce and Allow Additional Health Care Workers to Administer COVID-19 Testing and Vaccinations (9/27/21) 

NYSDOH Guidance  

• Updated Isolation & Quarantine Guidance, Tables, FAQs & Resources (1/13/22)
• Interim Updated Isolation & Quarantine Guidance (1/4/22)
• Updated Commissioner's Determination on Indoor Masking Pursuant to 10 NYCRR 2.60 on the NYSDOH website page under Guidance for Schools (NYSDOH 12/10/21)
• Updated Commissioner’s Determination on COVID-19 Testing Pursuant to 10 NYCRR 2.62 on NYSDOH website page under Guidance for Schools (NYSDOH 12/8/21)
• NYSDOH Revised Updated Testing and Quarantine Supplemental Information to the "Interim NYSDOH Guidance for Classroom Instruction in P-12 Schools During the 2021-2022 Academic Year" (12/3/21) 

  • Over The Counter (OTC) Home Testing and CLIA Applicability Frequently Asked Questions (cms.gov)

• Revised NYSDOH Updated Testing and Quarantine Supplemental Information to the "Interim NYSDOH Guidance for Classroom Instruction in P-12 Schools During the 2021-2022 Academic Year" (NYSDOH 11/24/21)
• Interim NYSDOH Guidance For Classroom Instruction In P-12 Schools During The 2021-2022 Academic Year (NYSDOH 9/2/21)
  • The Public Health and Health Planning Council passed an Emergency Regulation (9/2/21)
  • The Health Commissioner Issued a Determination Letter for COVID-19 Testing for Teachers and other School Employees—with Opt-Out for Vaccinated. Requiring all teachers, administrators, and other school employees to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing, unless they show proof of vaccination, with either a CDC vaccine card or the Excelsior Pass. (9/2/21)
• NYSDOH Webpage provides information on Quarantines, Close Contacts, and Contact Tracing. (NYSDOH 9/29/21)
• Interim Guidance For In-Person Instruction At Pre-K-12 Schools During The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (NYSDOH 7/7/21)
• Interim Guidance For Sports And Recreation During The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (NYSDOH 3/25/21)
• NYSDOH Travel Guidance
  

  • As of June 25, 2021, the New York State Travel Advisory is no longer in effect.  As such, travelers arriving in New York are no longer required to submit traveler health forms.

  • All travelers, domestic and international, should continue to follow all CDC travel requirements. 

• 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 Memos

• Clarification on COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation in the School Setting (1/10/21)
• Office of School COVID Support - School Tests Letter to Schools (12/29/21)
• Education Consiutuents Team Revised Updated Testing and Quarantine Supplemental Information to the " Interim NYSDOH Guidance for Classroom Instruction in P-12 Schools During the 2021-2022 Academic Year" dated 12/23/21 (12/27/21)
• NYSDOH Advisory on Shortening Isolation Period for Certain Fully Vaccinated Healthcare Workers and Other Critical Workforce (12/24/21)
• Education Constituents Team Revised Updated Testing and Quarantine Supplemental Information to the "Interim NYSDOH Guidance for Classroom Instruction in P-12 Schools During the 2021-2022 Academic Year" (12/3/21) 

  • Over The Counter (OTC) Home Testing and CLIA Applicability Frequently Asked Questions (cms.gov)

• Education Constituents Team Revised Updated Testing and Quarantine Supplemental Information to the "Interim NYSDOH Guidance for Classroom Instruction in P-12 Schools During the 2021-2022 Academic Year" (11/24/21) 
• Education Constituents Team - Algorithm- Guidance for Students With Signs and Symptoms After COVID- 19 Vaccination (11/18/21)
• NYSDOH Updated Testing and Quarantine Supplemental Information For Local Health Departments (10/27/21) 
• Education Constituents Team - Reporting to School COVID Report Card will Resume on 9/13/21
• Education Constituents Team - ELC School Reopening Program (9/7/21) 
• NYSDOH Education Constituents Group Notification - Mask Requirements for Schools (8/24/21) 

  • Note: Additional clarification from the Governor's office:
    "With respect to 6 ft distancing when students are unmasked and performing certain high-risk activities (eating, drinking, singing, or playing a wind instrument), DOH is applying the CDC's guidance in this area"

    Including as follows from within the CDC Guidance:
    “Because of the importance of in-person learning, schools should implement physical distancing to the extent possible within their structures but should not exclude students from in-person learning to keep a minimum distance requirement.”

• NYSDOH Commissioner Monthly Letter (8/4/21) 
• NYSDOH Updates Relevant to 2021 Summer Schools (7/7/21) - Updates emailed relevant to 2021 summer schools. 
  • Given current low rates of COVID-19 transmission, schools/districts may decide to implement revised masking policies consistent with those available in the archived INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR CHILD CARE, DAY CAMP, AND OVERNIGHT CAMP PROGRAMS DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY (available here).
  • Daily reporting to the COVID-19 Report Card is no longer required.
  • Summer schools in NYS may follow either the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools Through Phased Prevention (available here) or the current NYS INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION AT PRE-K TO GRADE 12 SCHOOLS DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY (available here).  

  The above information applies to the 2021 summer session only and additional information will be shared regarding the 2021-2022 school year soon. These decisions, which should reflect local sentiment, may be made by the school superintendent or local board.  There is no requirement for additional public meetings. 
  
  

• NYSDOH, Bureau of Immunization: Catch up Children and Teens in Need of Vaccines, including COVID-19 (6/21/21)

NYSDOH Webinars

The NYSDOH Office of School COVID Support has recorded 2 webinars and provided PDF PPT Slides to address the 9/2/21 guidance updates, daily reporting to the School Report Card, and COVID-19 testing.

Links To Recorded Webinars: Webinar: Overview of COVID-19 Testing
Webinar: Overview of Interim Guidance for Classroom Instruction in P-12 Schools During the 2021-2022 Academic Year

Presentation PDF Slides: Overview of COVID-19 Testing
PDF PPT Slides: Overview of Interim Guidance for Classroom Instruction in P-12 Schools During the 2021-2022 Academic Year  

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

• Top Ten Reasons To Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19 provided by NYSDOH in English and Spanish
• Guidance for   The New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Program: Vaccination of Children Ages 5-11

NYSDOH Guidance questions should be directed to:
Email for school questions: schoolquestionscovid@health.ny.gov
NYSDOH COVID-19 Hotline:1-888-364-3065

The Governor’s office can be contacted at https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form or call 1-518-474-8390 from 9 am to 5 pm daily. 

Page Updated 1/11/22

NYSED Health and Safety Guide

• NYSED Health and Safety Guide to Reopen NYS Schools (8/12/21)
  The New York State Education Department has compiled resources to provide additional information to help schools and families stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The NYSED Recovering, Rebuilding and Renewing: The Spirit of New York's Schools Webpage
• Reopening Schools Guidance (7/16/20)
• Reopening Guidance for Religious and Independent School (7/27/20)
• Eligibility for Interscholastic Athletics, Inclusive Athletic and Extracurricular Activities (9/01/20)
• Responding to the Challenges of Learning in Masked Environments (10/23/20)
• In-person learning, sports participation, and COVID-19 testing  (Last amended 2/18/2021)
• NYS Education Department and NYS Office of Mental Health Joint Letter on Mental Health (4/19/21)

NYSED Memos

• Statement Regarding Ionization Air Cleaners (12/14/21)
• Proposed Amendment to Subdivision (a) of Section 64.7 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Relating to the Execution by Registered Professional Nurses of Non-Patient Specific Orders to Administer COVID-19 Immunizations (10/7/21)
• NYSED Letter Regarding CDC & AAP Guidance on School Opening 2021-22 (8/2/21)
• NYSED Memo: Continuation of Optional Remote Application Process for Employment Certificates and Permits (Working Papers) (6/23/21)
• NYSED Memo on School Health Examinations in Light of COVID-19 Pandemic (5/20/21)
• First Aid and CPR Certification Flexibility for Coaches in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis Memo(4/26/21)

NYSED Guidance questions should be directed to BackToSchool@nysed.gov

Page Updated 12/30/21

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 
This page provides strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain safe operations in schools in child care programs. Which includes: 

• K-12 Guidance
• Responding to COVID-19 Cases in Schools Toolkit  - This toolkit provides information to help schools respond quickly to COVID-19 cases in school with regards to quarantine and isolation.
• FAQs about COVID for School Administrators (12/1/21)
• ECE/Child Care Guidance

Note: NYS must follow NYSDOH Interim Guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure (NYSDOH, 5/31/20)

CDC What to do if a Student Becomes Sick or Reports a New COVID-19 Diagnosis at School 
The CDC algorithm will help schools determine the next steps to take if a student becomes sick at school or reports a new COVID-19 diagnosis at school. (CDC 8/6/21)

CDC Decision Tree for Identifying COVID-19 Close Contacts in K-12 School Indoor Classroom Settings
This decision tree can be used for anyone in a non-classroom setting who was within 6 feet of the infected person starting 2 days prior to symptom onset or positive test. If the infected person is not showing symptoms, use the date the test was collected. (9/16/21)

CDC Information on International Travel is here.

Page Updated 12/30/21

COVID-19 Resources for Schools
Students, and FamiliesProvides information on online education and accessibility, protecting civil rights of and privacy impact on assessments and accountability under ESSA, Readiness Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA). The bottom of the page contains a link to FERPA and information on sharing personally identifiable information during COVID-19. the direct link to the FERPA webpage is provided below. 

U.S. Education Department  Student Privacy Page
Provides a recorded webinar that addresses 10 common scenarios and questions on FERPA FERPA & COVID-19 FAQs, a resource list on FERPA, and Virtual Learning Blog Post: May Schools Disclose Information about Cases of COVID-19  

COVID-19 Data Dashboard
The U.S. Department of Education, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is launching a new COVID-19 data dashboard to help the public keep track of the impact of COVID-19 on K-12 schools. The dashboard aggregates in one location data on pediatric COVID-19 cases, youth vaccination rates, and numbers on schools that are operating in-person, hybrid, or remote. Data will be updated each week, and where possible, the information is presented geographically so that educators and families can understand the impact of COVID in their communities. (11/8/21)

Page Updated 12/30/21

U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Occupational Safety and Health Webpage 
Provides resources on respiratory and infection prevention, wage, labor, and leave information and information for dislocated workers including. guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 and Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace (1/29/21) 

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).

U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

• What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws, Technical Assistance Questions and Answers - Updated on Dec. 16, 2020

PESH
The Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau (PESH), enforces safety and health standards promulgated under the US Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSA). They provide free consultation surveys at the request of a public employer. The contact information is located here. 

Page Updated 12/30/21

• BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Rapid Antigen Test Training Videos and Resources
• NYSCSH COVID Testing memos and information for schools, Limited-Service Laboratory Certificates (LSL), Electronic Clinical Laboratory Reporting System (ECLRS), Executive Orders, NYS Requirments Non-Patient Specific Orders Sample Non-Patient Specific Orders and COVID-19 Test Consent Form
• NYSDOH Communicable Disease Reporting Webpage  
• NYSDOH COVID-19 Testing Webpage,
• Resources on COVID-19 Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Congregate Setting

General questions on testing can be directed to the NYSDOH at Covid19rapidtest@health.ny.gov

Questions on obtaining limited Service Lab Certificates can be directed to the NYSODH Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (518) 485-5378 or clep@health.ny.gov

Page Updated 12/30/21

NYS COVID Report Card for Schools
New York school districts must provide daily data on the number of people in the school who have tested positive for COVID-19.  

Questions should be sent to schoolquestionscovid@health.ny.gov

Page Updated 12/30/21

CDC Resources

CDC TRAIN
Provides continuously updated resources and training for Health Professionals on all topics (including vaccines and best immunization practices).  

CDC Vaccine Overview Webpage

• 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 

U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Product Information (CDC 3/2/21)

Interim Clinical Considerations (CDC 3/19/21)

• COVID-19 Vaccine Quick Reference Guide for Healthcare Professionals
  Quick reference for comparing general information, storage, and handling information, and vaccine administration
• The Interim Clinical Consideration Summary provides an easy reference of clinical considerations.
• The Vaccine Administration Errors and Deviations table is an easy reference for information on handling vaccine administration errors.

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 be provided with certain vaccine-specific EUA information to make an informed decision about vaccination.  

Page Updated 12/30/21

Vaccines.gov - Find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you
A free, online service where users can search for locations that offer vaccinations. We work with partners such as clinics, pharmacies, and health departments to provide accurate and up-to-date information about vaccination services. VaccineFinder is operated by epidemiologists and software developers at Boston Children's Hospital. 

Eligible New Yorkers can make an appointment at COVID-19 Vaccine (ny.gov) or by calling the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

Page Updated 12/30/21

View the most current FAQs. This page is updated continuously as new information is provided. 

Page Reviewed 6/17/21

Provides links to sample lesson plans and teaching strategies for schools and families. digital tools to assist in creating instructional opportunities for students.

Page  Updated 4/29/21

This page contains information and resources for School Medical Directors.

Page updated 1/18/2022 2:29 AM

Provides resources that will assist school nurses to share their expertise, take a leadership position and offer support and guidance.

Page Updated 10/14/21

National and State Professional Organizations

Infection Prevention and You COVID-19 Resources

National Association of School Nurses Coronavirus Resources

• Can I Send My Student to School? 

National Association of School Psychologists: Guidance and Supports

National Federation of State High School Associations: Guidance for State Associations to Consider in Re-opening High School Athletics and Other Activities. Please note this is National Guidance- NYS must follow NYS School Guidelines related to health exams.

• Click Music to see resources related to choral groups and instruments.

NYS Public High School Athletic Association Return to Interscholastic Athletics 2020-21 Resource (9/4/20)

SHAPE America: School Reentry Considerations

A Blueprint for Back to School
This report from American Enterprise Institute sketches a framework for reopening schools that can help state policymakers, education and community leaders, and federal officials plan appropriately for reopening schools when public health officials signal it is safe to do so.

Addressing Barriers to Learning | UCLA Mental Center  InHealth In Schools
This newsletter from the UCLA Center for Mental Health In Schools is devoted the following to highlighting essential transition-back supports.

Johns Hopkins University Reopening Resources for Schools (eSchool +initiative)
This site contains multiple resources for schools including:

• Tracking State and National School Reopening Plans
• The Ethics Of K-12 School Reopening: Identifying and Addressing
• The Values At Stake Covid-19 School Reopening
• Checklist Examples of Equity-Oriented Reopening Policies
• School News Roundup Biweekly E-newsletter 

A Plan To Safely Reopen America’s Schools And Communities | AFT
Provides guidance from the American Federation of Teachers for imagining a new normal for public education, public health, and our economy from the American Federation of Teachers.

Mitigating COVID-19 Risk: How Schools Can Help Reopen the Economy Safely | Frontline Education
Explores the interconnected nature of health, education, and economics as well as what actions may be taken within the health management of K-12 districts to effectively navigate a prompt, safe, and effective new normal.

Resources for Opening Schools | Learning Policy InstituteProvides resources on current research, data, tools, and school guidance, training, vaccinations, and testing to ensure all students receive a quality education.

Page Updated 12/1/21