This morning, Glens Falls City School administrators were notified that an individual at Glens Falls Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19. This case is directly related to the Big Cross case reported on Oct. 23rd, and this individual has not been in the school building or on school grounds since Tuesday, Oct. 20th.
As soon as we were notified of the positive case, the Superintendent was in direct contact with Warren County Public Health to begin contact tracing protocols. Because of the length of time the individual has been out of the building, WCPH has determined that no additional contact tracing is necessary in this case, and that there is a very low likelihood of transmission to school contacts of this individual.
Health privacy laws restrict district officials from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information when reporting on COVID-positive situations. Therefore, we cannot identify by name anyone who has tested positive. The individual who tested positive is in isolation for at least 10 days and will not return to the school environment until cleared by Warren County Public Health.
Please keep in mind that Warren County Public Health will contact parents directly if their child had “close contact” with an individual who later tests positive for COVID. Every school keeps detailed, daily records of who was in each classroom, and when. The Health Department reviews these records and makes a medical determination on who, if anyone, should enter a precautionary exposure quarantine. No news is good news! Neither the school district, nor WCPH will withhold necessary information from families who need to enter a precautionary exposure quarantine.
The health, safety, and well-being of our school community remains our main focus. We are following protocols aligned with expert health guidance to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect the health of our school community. We also want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of wearing masks, staying six feet apart from others, and regularly washing your hands. Please continue to conduct at-home screenings and maintain personal awareness of COVID symptoms for your children.
This notification to parents and our community at large is part of our commitment to keep you informed during these uncertain times. Currently, our school buildings remain open for in-person instruction. We will continue to work closely with our local Department of Health and we will follow their guidance on how to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. Visit our website if you would like more information about our health and safety procedures.