Dear Avon,
Governor Hochul held a press conference today. She addressed two primary items.
PRESS CONFERENCE INFORMATION
Russian Invasion and Support for Ukranians Everywhere-
First, she addressed condemnation for the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. As a result, she issued an Executive Order that called for a review of business and economic entanglements that are headquartered in Russia or owned or backed by the Russian state.
COVID-19 Update-
Next, she spent a good deal of time discussing COVID-19. Citing numerous metrics and data sources including, but not limited to: vaccination rates, hospitalizations, positive cases, deaths, global information and trends, and recent changes to CDC guidance; Governor Hochul stated that the NYS mask requirement for schools will be lifted on March 2, 2022 in areas where the CDC metrics indicate risk to be low or moderate. This is excellent news.
As has been the case with these announcements, we will work in collaboration with partners to review any additional guidance that comes after the press conference to ensure accurate interpretations and implementation. We should all expect that there may be situations where masking may still be required: close contacts of a positive, when seated side-by-side on a bus, etc. These are just possible examples of exceptions that may be included in future guidance. Although we do not yet officially know the LCDOH reaction to this news, we will be planning for masks being optional in most situations as of Wednesday, March 2nd. Please know that we will support student and family choice in these situations. We will set the expectations that these choices will be respected.
Governor Hochul briefly mentioned an expectation for COVID testing. As we have communicated previously, testing prior to school tomorrow is encouraged, but it is not required.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ACS Diagnostic COVID Testing-
Testing schedule for 2/28/22 through 3/4/22: Monday and Thursday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
As a reminder, testing is available as a diagnostic/response test. If you or your child would like a rapid shallow nasal-swab diagnostic COVID test, please send an email to covid.testing@avoncsd.org You will then receive a Google form to choose a time to be tested along with the consent form and intake form that will need to be completed prior to the test. If you have any questions please contact Michelle Burke at mburke@avoncsd.org.
Test results take approximately 15 minutes. You will be notified in the event of a positive only.
Please do not 'walk in' for a COVID Test. Tests can be scheduled quickly with a simple email.
Home Testing and Supplies-
We still have home test kits available for families. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that families plan to test before students return from February break. Anyone who missed the opportunity to pick up test kits last week can make arrangements to pick up kits at the school by calling the District Office at 226-2455, ext. 1320 or emailing Jen VanRy at jvanry@avoncsd.org.