Dear Families:

This evening, we were notified that a staff member at Rensselaer Academy tested positive for COVID. The staff member was last on campus on November 19. Based on the circumstances of this case, there is a need to conduct contact tracing at our building. Those individuals who are impacted have already been contacted. If you have not been called there is no further action required on your part.

While we understand that you may want additional details, privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personal identifiable information. We appreciate your understanding.

All students or staff directed to isolate due to a positive COVID test must provide proof of release by their local health department before they can return to school or work. Any individual that was identified to quarantine due to a close contact to a positive case may return to school or work following confirmation by the local health department.

We are working in close partnership with our public health partners and will continue to follow state and local guidance regarding our response to the ongoing pandemic. Please be reminded that we must all work together to help stop the spread of COVID. You can assist our efforts by wearing masks, social distancing, washing your hands, practicing good respiratory etiquette, limiting your exposure from others outside your household including avoiding group gatherings, and staying home if you or your child are sick or awaiting results of a COVID-19 test.

Per the CDC, fully vaccinated close contacts should be referred for COVID testing. Asymptomatic, fully vaccinated close contacts do not need to quarantine at home following an exposure (they can continue to attend school or work in-person and participate in other activities). In addition to correctly wearing masks in school, they should wear a mask in other indoor public settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.

Please continue to monitor yourself or your child/children for symptoms of COVID and report any absences and positive test results to our office immediately. Symptoms vary, and some people may not experience any symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider (or the county health department if you do not have one) to be assessed if you have one or more of these new or worsening symptoms:

  • a temperature greater or equal to 100.0° F
  • feel feverish or have chills
  • cough
  • loss of taste or smell
  • fatigue
  • sore throat
  • shortness of breath
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • muscle pain or body aches
  • headaches or nasal congestion/running nose

Thank you all for your ongoing efforts to keep our building safe and healthy. Please contact me directly with any questions or concerns.

Anthony DeFazio
Principal
Rensselaer Educational Center

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