March 2, 2022

The following message from Lansingburgh Superintendent, Dr. Abitabile, was sent to all Lansingburgh families on Wednesday, March 2.

All school reopening news and COVID-19 updates can be found on the district’s 2021-2022 Reopening Updates page here.

Lansingburgh School Community,

This is a follow up from the message to the one we shared on Sunday about masks no longer being required in school settings. The NYSDOH released further COVID-19 guidance last night and you can read it in its entirety by clicking the following links:

1. Guidance:  https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/03/school-guidance-03.01.22.pdf
2. FAQs:  https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/03/school-guidance-faqs-for-schools_03.01.22.pdf

What has changed

1. Masks are no longer required in school settings, including buses, extracurriculars and before/after childcare.
2. The RCDOH has the authority to implement masking requirements that are different from the NYSDOH if they choose.
3. If worn, masks may be removed when eating, drinking, singing, going outside or playing a wind instrument.
4. In settings where masks are not worn, a close exposure for anyone will now be determined using a 6 FOOT RADIUS and no longer 3 feet, regardless of masking,
5. Weekly surveillance testing for students will only be required for those students who have had their parent/guardian previously consent to it and only if the CDC has deemed our region as having a moderate, substantial or high transmission rate (our current rate is “low”).

What remains in place

1. Current Isolation and Quarantine Guidance (Test to Stay) as outlined on January 20th
   1. Click here to review→ https://tinyurl.com/bdxbnhxk
2. Masks continue to be required for anyone returning to school during day 6-10 after a COVID-19 infection.
3. The District will continue to notify those students and staff who have had close exposure at school to someone who has reported a COVID-19 infection. Those individuals should wear a mask for the following 10 days.
4. The District will continue offering free at-home test kits to those who request them.
5. To the best extent possible, distancing will be maintained while eating, drinking, singing, going outside or playing a wind instrument.
6. Mitigation strategies such as frequent cleaning and disinfection, hand washing, proper cough/sneeze etiquette and social distancing, as feasible.
7. Current practice of weekly surveillance testing for unvaccinated staff members.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Antonio W. Abitabile, Ed. D.