January 3, 2022

Dear Galway Families,

It was wonderful to see our students return to school this morning.  Although we continue to face unprecedented challenges, our district is committed to ensuring an engaging and rewarding 2022.  The following is important COVID health and safety information: 

AT HOME RAPID TESTS

As part of Governor Hochul's Winter Surge Plan, our district will receive a shipment of COVID rapid tests today.  Parents and guardians who wish to receive a test to screen their child at home should email Christine Delaney at [email protected].  Mrs. Delaney will respond when your test is ready for pickup at either the Elementary or Junior/Senior High Office. 
USING AT-HOME RAPID TESTS

SARATOGA COUNTY QUARANTINE/ISOLATION GUIDELINE UPDATE

Saratoga County Department of Health has adopted the CDC COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidance. Isolation relates to behavior after a confirmed infection. Quarantine refers to the time following exposure to the virus or close contact with someone known to have COVID-19. Both updates come as the Omicron variant continues to spread throughout the U.S. and reflects the current science on when and for how long a person is maximally infectious.

ISOLATION.  After testing positive for COVID the isolation period is now 5 days if you have no symptoms or no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.  You must then continue to wear a mask for 5 additional days. Parents/Guardians must also complete the Affirmation of Release of Isolation/Quarantine on the saratogacountyny.gov website. This Affirmation must then be received by the Galway School Health Office prior to the return of your child.

QUARANTINE.  Additionally, CDC is updating the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19. For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days.  Parents/Guardians must also complete the Affirmation of Release of Isolation/Quarantine on the saratogacountyny.gov website. This Affirmation must then be received by the Galway School Health Office prior to the return of your child.

Fully vaccinated individuals who do not display any symptoms after exposure continue to be exempt from quarantine.

Please see below for complete information:

SCDOH Isolation and Quarantine Guidance

CDC Isolation and Quarantine Guidance

WHEN SYMPTOMATIC PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILDREN HOME

Your partnership in the ongoing efforts to keep our school safe for students and staff is vital in our ability to keep our school open for all educational and co-curricular activities.

Have a wonderful day,

Dr. Brita Donovan

Superintendent of Schools