CAPITAL DISTRICT — A few Capital District households have voluntarily quarantined themselves at home as a precaution due to possible exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
On Friday, March 6, the Guilderland Central School District announced that a self-quarantined household connected to Lynnwood Elementary School has not shown signs of illness yet but did not explain how it possibly was exposed to the coronavirus. On the same day, the Niskayuna Central School District reported that two of its connected and self-quarantined households traveled recently but did not indicate when and where.
These are not confirmed coronavirus cases yet so there is no critical risk of a spread, the school districts each reported.
They have begun taking precautionary measures like contacting local public health officials, planning to distribute disinfectant wipes districtwide, disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces in buildings and buses, and following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state Department of Health, Schenectady County Public Health Services (SCPHS) and the state Education Department.
The school districts offered advice including washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds; not touching one’s eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; covering one’s cough or sneeze with a tissue and throwing it into the trash; and disinfecting surfaces.
“We will continue to monitor this situation and will provide updates as necessary and appropriate,” Guilderland CSD Superintendent Marie Wiles wrote. “We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue to respond to this evolving concern.”
Cosimo Tangorra Jr., Niskayuna CSD’s superintendent, wrote, “The health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to help prevent the spread of this illness.”