January 5, 2022

Dear Stillwater Families,

Saratoga County is following the CDC recommendation of a reduced isolation period for COVID-19 positive individuals. Information on reduced isolation periods can be found here. Our district will work with Saratoga County and individuals who can now exit isolation after five days, if asymptomatic.

For an individual to return to school after Day 5 of isolation:
1)  The individual MUST be symptom free.
2)  The individual may not return earlier than Day 6 of isolation, so long as he/she is symptom free.
3)  The district must receive a PCR report or DOH attestation (Isolation Affirmation link) of the isolation period prior to the student returning to school. For self-attestation purposes, the date of the positive test is considered Day 0, with isolation beginning on Day 1, the day after the positive test results.

This is for proper documentation of the isolation dates, Days 6 -10.

4)  While in school on Days 6 -10, students who would otherwise be in isolation will be required to dine 6+ feet from others or in a separate location when available. This also includes snack times. Masks will be required for recess as well during Days 6 – 10. This follows the guidance as posted to the Saratoga County Department of Health website, citing:

• Day 1 of isolation begins the day after you become symptomatic OR the day after your specimen was collected, if you do/did not have symptoms.
• You may leave your isolation:
  • After 5 complete days, if you’ve continued to have no symptoms.
  • After 5 complete days, if your symptoms are resolving and you do not have a fever for at least 24 hours, without using fever-reducing medications.
    • If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever has resolved for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• After leaving your isolation, you must continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days. Wearing a well-fitting mask following isolation will decrease the small risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to others.

5)  Students are not required to follow the reduced isolation period if families are inclined to keep students home for the full 10 days. Instruction will be provided.

I understand this is a lot to digest. Please reach out to your building principal if you need clarification about the criteria for a reduction in isolation. Information about the Test to Stay Program for quarantines will be shared tomorrow.

Thank you for your continued vigilance and in helping keep our schools safe and open.

Sincerely,
Patricia Morris
Superintendent of Schools