The State has extended 10 NYCRR 2.62 through the end of June 2022. Effective July 1, schools will not be required to test unvaccinated teachers and staff weekly, nor will they be required to offer weekly screening testing to students. Click here to review the full memo from the State regarding COVID-19 Reporting and Testing.

State Department of Health Update, May 13, 2022:

In light of rising cases of COVID subvariants, the State Department of Health urges all New Yorkers to take "common sense precautions to protect against COVID-19. This includes recommending all New Yorkers in high-risk counties, and those throughout the state with increased risk of severe disease due to underlying conditions, to wear masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status."

The full statement from the NYSDOH can be found here: https://health.ny.gov/press/releases/2022/2022-05-13_covid_mask_recommendation.htm

A map of COVID community rates in New York State is available here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing-tracker

On April 27, the GNPS community was notified of the following updates to the District's Reopening Plan:

• Positive Case Notification Emails - Starting the week of May 2-6, community notification emails regarding the number of positive COVID cases in the District will be sent on a weekly basis. The District will continue to report data to the Nassau County Department of Health, the New York State Department of Health, and the NYS School COVID Report Card on a daily basis, as required.
• Elementary Cafeterias - Effective Monday, May 2, elementary schools will initiate the gradual return of students to cafeteria spaces for lunch. In the cafeteria setting, students will be distanced as much as practical while eating. 

On Feb. 27, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the state-wide school mask mandate would be lifted on Wednesday, March 2. The Governor cited low COVID positivity rates and updated guidance from the CDC among the reasons for this decision. 

Effective Wednesday, March 2, the Great Neck Public Schools will adopt a mask-optional approach for all schools and facilities. Under a mask-optional approach, students and staff can make an individual choice about whether or not to wear a mask indoors. Additional details will be provided based on forthcoming guidance from state health and education officials.

Effective January 11, 2022: The Nassau County Department of Health has adopted shortened isolation and quarantine guidelines that are consistent with recommendations released by the Centers for Disease Controls and the New York State Department of Health. The revised procedures outlined below apply to all students and staff.

• ISOLATION PERIOD - For infected (positive) individuals:
  Day 0 is the day of symptom(s) onset or (if asymptomatic) the day tested for COVID-19.
  • If asymptomatic at the end of 5 days or if symptoms are resolving (no fever for at least 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medication and symptoms improving), the isolation ends and the individual should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.*
  • Individuals who are moderately-severely immunocompromised should continue to follow the standard (i.e., not shortened) 10-day isolation period.
    
    

• QUARANTINE PERIOD - For exposed individuals (i.e. “close contacts”):
  Day 0 is the last date of exposure to an infected (positive) individual.
  • If not fully vaccinated, quarantine for 5 days and wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.
  • If fully vaccinated, no quarantine is required but these individuals should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for 10 days after the last date of exposure.
  • It is recommended to test at day 5 with either a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT, e.g., PCR) or rapid antigen test.
    
    

* A student who tests positive for COVID and meets the criteria for a shortened isolation period may return to school five days after the student exhibits symptoms as identified and documented by the school nurse. Additionally, a parent must submit a copy of the Resident Isolation/Quarantine Release Letter from the Nassau County Department of Health to the school nurse. The form can be found here: https://app.nassaucountyny.gov/DOH/covid-release/

Please note that the quarantine protocol for vaccinated individuals has changed since the 2021-22 GNPS Reopening Presentation in August.

Effective Oct. 15, 2021:

• Recovering vaccinated individuals may end 10-day isolation (without testing) and return to school once the following are met:
  • Fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and symptoms have improved.

This update in district protocols is consistent with the latest guidance from health officials.

A GNPS Reopening of Schools Update was shared with the school community via email on August 26, 2021. Click here to download a copy of the Reopening of Schools Update as a PDF.

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