Fort Plain Central School District > Archive > COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

Fort Plain Central School District is following the latest guidance from the New York State Department of Health regarding COVID-19. For more information, please review “What Parents/Caregivers Should Know about COVID Mitigation Strategies for the 2022-2023 School Year” (August 2022).  In our schools:

  • As with any infectious illness, students or staff who test positive for COVID-19, or who show symptoms, are asked to stay home from school and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s Isolation Guidance.
    • Someone who tested positive and has no symptoms may return to school after day 5.
    • Someone who is sick (has symptoms) may return to school after day 5 if they have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and their symptoms are improving.
    • COVID-19 symptoms include:
      • Cough
      • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
      • Fever (temperature of greater than 100.0° F in the last 14 days)
      • Chills
      • Fatigue
      • Muscle or body aches
      • Headache
      • Sore throat
      • New loss of taste or smell
      • Congestion or runny nose
      • Nausea or vomiting
  • Testing is recommended for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms as soon as possible after those symptoms begin. Free COVID-19 test kits continue to be available in our schools, and may be picked up in the main entryway kiosks in the elementary and high schools during school hours.
  • Individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 should follow the CDC’s Exposure Guidance. It is recommended that those exposed to COVID-19 wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days and get tested as soon as they show symptoms or at least 5 days after close contact, regardless of their vaccination status or history of prior COVID-19 infection.
  • Mask use continues to be optional in our school buildings and buses for students and staff; those choosing to wear a mask are welcome to do so. Mask-wearing is recommended for at least 10 days following a positive COVID test, or when ill with COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to attend school. Children ages 6 months and older are all eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children older than 5 are eligible for a booster. For more information, visit https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/.
  • To prevent the spread of infectious diseases including COVID-19, regular hand washing or the use of hand sanitizer, and respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes), are strongly encouraged.
  • Our district also will continue to follow regular health and safety measures including cleaning and disinfecting classrooms, offices, common spaces and high-touch surfaces.

If COVID-19 guidelines change, we will notify FPCSD families and staff as soon as possible via ParentSquare and our website.