RyeCity REVIEW THE
August 26, 2022 | Vol. 10, Number 34 | www.ryecityreview.com
State releases guidance for back to school
WISCONSIN-BOUND! The New York Empire’s John Randolph shuts down a passing lane on Aug. 20 against the DC Breeze. The Empire topped the Breeze 19-18 to advance to the AUDL Championship Weekend in Madison, WI. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
County is offering free back to school vaccine clinics The Westchester County Department of Health is now booking appointments for its free back-to-school vaccine clinics to assure children have the vaccines they need for school. “Parents should schedule vaccine visits with their healthcare provider as soon as possible to be sure their children have the vaccines they need to stay in school. For those without insurance, or who have ChildHealth Plus or Medicaid, the County Health Department can help,” county Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler. Besides school vaccines, the county also offers influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for children ages six months and older. Children must have their first dose of all required vaccinations within 14 days from the first day of school. Parents and guardians of children must show they have made appointments for all required follow-up doses within 30 days of the start of school. New York state eliminated religious exemptions for vaccinations as of the 2019 school year. Families with no insurance, ChildHealth Plus or Medicaid, should call the county Health Department to schedule an appointment for vaccines at no charge. Call 995-5800 to find out if you qualify, and to make an appointment. The six back-to-school clinics, located at the Health Department at 134 Court St., White Plains are as follows: • Friday, Aug. 26, Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines your children need. All seventh and 12th graders must get the meningococcal vaccine, and all students must be vaccinated against whooping
cough, measles and mumps. Health Navigators available through the Health Department can help families and individuals sign up for the health insurance they need. Those without a regular doctor can learn where to go for ongoing primary care. For more information, call 995-6350.
On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced updated COVID-19 guidance that aligns with new CDC recommendations as children, teachers and faculty across the state prepare to head back to school in the coming weeks. With increased access to COVID-19 information, vaccination, testing and treatment, New York state is updating its response to ensure all students, teachers and faculty can make a safe return to the classroom next month. “Since the early, uncertain days of the pandemic, New York schools, teachers and parents stepped up to ensure continued learning and a safe return to the classroom,” Hochul said. “Today, we are making sure that state and federal guidance is aligned so that students and educators can enter the classroom with confidence and have a safe, healthy school year. We’re getting this information out to parents, into schools, and making sure that our children are where they need to be this fall. We know there’s no replacement for in-classroom learning, and we’re going to make sure that this year is a very different year.” New York has made significant progress in the fight against COVID-19. It is through these ongoing efforts that schools can provide safe instructional environments, increase access to COVID-19 testing and ensure that staff, students and their families have access to the resources they need to safely remain in school. COVID Mitigation Strategies for the 2022-2023 School Year
Quarantine
The Westchester County Department of Health is now booking appointments for its free back-to-school vaccine clinics to assure children have the vaccines they need for school.
• The CDC no longer recommends quarantine except in highrisk congregate settings. The CDC recommends that all people with a known or suspected COVID-19 exposure regardless of vaccination status or history of prior COVID-19 infection follow current CDC exposure recommendations which include wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator for a full 10-day
period and getting tested at least 5 days after close contact or sooner if symptoms develop.
Staying Home When Sick or Symptomatic
• The CDC continues to recommend that people stay home when sick. Any student or staff member who has symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, should stay home. • Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin. Those who are at risk for getting very sick with COVID-19 who test positive should consult with a healthcare provider right away for possible treatment, even if their symptoms are mild. If an individual tests positive for COVID-19 and do not have a regular health care provider, you can be evaluated for treatment by either calling 1-888-TREAT-NY or visiting the New York State COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access Website. • People who are symptomatic and awaiting COVID-19 test results or have tested positive for COVID-19 should follow CDC’s Isolation Guidance.
Isolation
• People who have tested positive or are awaiting COVID-19 test results should remain home and follow the CDC’s Isolation Guidance. Isolation may end based on how serious someone’s COVID-19 symptoms were. -If someone had no symptoms, isolation may end after day five. -If someone had symptoms, isolation may end after day five if they are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving. -People should wear a mask through day 10 after ending isolation when they are feeling better (no fever without use of fever-reducing
see SCHOOL 3