January 13, 2022

Dear Rye Neck Families,

Further to yesterday’s message regarding the change in isolation guidance, this message explains quarantine rules.  While Isolation applies to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, Quarantine applies to individuals who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, but not tested positive themselves.  As per the Westchester County Department of Health:

Students, teachers, and staff who are not vaccinated or have not completed a primary vaccine series (primary series does NOT include a booster) who came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should quarantine for at least 5 days (day 0 through day 5) after their last close contact.  Anyone developing COVID-19 symptoms during quarantine should get tested and begin isolation if necessary. 

“Test to Stay” (TTS) is a method of keeping unvaccinated and asymptomatic quarantined students in class safely.  Based on guidance from the Westchester County Department of Health, these students who were exposed to someone with COVID-19 may test daily and remain in class as long as they test negative.  Find out more about TTS here: Test to Stay.

We will act on this quarantine process immediately.  However, please understand that we must verify each student’s quarantine start date and conditions in order to conclude an end to the quarantine period or participation in Test to Stay.  Students will only be permitted back into school after we communicate with families and they receive confirmation from the district.  

Best regards,

Eric Lutinski, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools