Later on the evening of Sept. 18, the district learned of a second positive case of COVID-19 from a separate household in the Altamont Elementary School Community. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict the district from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information and we cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.
The district and Altamont Elementary Principal are working closely with the Albany County Department of Health. For anyone exposed, the Albany County Department of Health will reach out and advise on the need to quarantine and arrange for testing.
The school district continues to follow all prevention protocols in accordance with guidelines from the New York State Health Department and CDC — this includes a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all school buildings. More health and safety information can be found in the GCSD reopening plan.
At this time, all schools remain open for in-person instruction. Students who are directed to self-quarantine will temporarily switch to remote learning until their quarantine has ended and they are cleared to return to campus for in-person instruction. Here is a helpful resource provided by the Albany County Department of Health of protocols for COVID-19 screening and quarantine.
We will continue to work closely with the Albany County Department of Health and communicate any necessary updates. Please reach out to your building principal directly if you would like more information about health and safety procedures.
Additional Resources
Albany County Department of Health procedures in the event of a positive COVID-19 case at a school