School Building Cleared for Reopening
1/20/2021 11:45 AM
Dear P.S. 7 – QUEENS at 80-55 CORNISH AVENUE Families:
Today I am writing to share an important update about our school building. Since closing the building following multiple unlinked COVID-19 cases in our school community, the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) have completed a thorough investigation. They have determined that the building is clear to reopen for regularly scheduled activities on 1/21/2021.
Here is guidance from DOHMH, T2, and the New York City Department of Education (DOE) to help clarify next steps:
- Anyone with a positive COVID-19 test will not return to the school until they are no longer infectious.
- Close contacts of the person who tested positive have been notified and will continue their 10-day quarantine period. If additional close contacts are identified, they will also be instructed to quarantine for 10 days.
- The NYC Test + Trace Corps partners with community-based organizations to connect quarantining New Yorkers to resources like food, medicine, and health care. To connect with resources, you can call 1-212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).
How Do We Stay Healthy?
Please remember to follow these important “Core Four” actions to prevent COVID-19 transmission:
- Stay home if sick (except to get essential medical care, including COVID-19 testing).
- Practice social distancing: Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not members of your household.
- Wear a face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Practice healthy hand hygiene: Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid touching your face; and cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hands.
How can I stay updated?
We will continue to closely follow directions from public health experts and proactively update you on any measures we are taking. To ensure we can reach you via text and email, please create a New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) as soon as possible by visiting schools.nyc.gov/nycsa.
For additional information on COVID-19, visit schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus or call 311.
Sincerely,
Jason Chin
1/20/2021 11:45 AM
Dear Member of the P.S. 7 – QUEENS – Q007 at 80-55 CORNISH AVENUE Community:
In this letter you will find information about when students and staff can return to school after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. This guidance reflects the expertise of the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2).
When Is It Safe to Return to the School Building?
Any student or staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19 can return to school only after:
- Isolating for 10 days AND
- Being fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication AND
- Is experiencing overall improvement in symptoms
Please note:
- For people with symptoms, the infectious period generally begins two days before symptoms start and continues for ten days from when symptoms begin.
- For people with no symptoms (asymptomatic), the infectious period is estimated to begin two days before COVID-19 testing to ten days after testing.
- One may continue to receive a positive COVID-19 test result for up to three months even though they are no longer infectious.
If a student or staff member showed symptoms but tested negative for COVID-19, they can return to school only after:
- Being fever free 24 hours without the use of medication AND
- Overall symptoms are improving
If a student or staff member did not get tested for COVID-19 but showed symptoms, they can return to school only after:
- At least 10 days have passed since symptoms started AND
- They have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication AND
- Overall symptoms are improving
If a student or staff member is considered a close contact of an individual who has tested positive, they can return to school only after:
- Quarantining for 10-days since their last exposure to that case (even if you receive a subsequent negative COVID-19 test result)
Students in quarantine should participate in remote learning to the extent possible.
How can I stay updated?
To help New Yorkers quarantine, the NYC Test + Trace Corps partners with community-based organizations to connect individuals to resources like food, medicine, and health care. To connect with resources, you can call 1-212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).
For additional information on COVID-19, visit schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus or call 311.
Thank you for your cooperation. Health and safety will always come first in New York City public schools, no matter what.
Sincerely,
Jason Chin
