In an effort to keep our students and staff in school, Central Valley CSD worked with Herkimer BOCES, its component school districts and the Herkimer County Public Health Department to create a plan that eliminates or shortens quarantines due to COVID-19. The plan centers on the latest guidance from the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.
Beginning Monday, Jan. 10, Central Valley CSD will no longer require students or staff—who have no COVID symptoms—to enter precautionary quarantine if exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case. Instead families will be able to test for COVID-19 at home as a way to continue attending school in person. Quarantines for individuals who test positive or exhibit symptoms for COVID will shorten from 10 days to five as measured from the onset of symptoms or the date of a positive COVID test, whichever is earlier—as long as the individual wears a well-fitting mask for days six through 10.
Most cases will fall under one of the five scenarios outlined below:
Scenario #1: An asymptomatic student or staff member who is fully vaccinated is exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case: Individuals will not need to quarantine and can remain in school as long as they remain asymptomatic (free of symptoms).
Scenario #2: An asymptomatic student or staff member who is NOT fully vaccinated is exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case. A parent or guardian will pick up the child at school. At that time, the parent will receive three COVID-19 rapid test kits that they will use on the schedule below to test their child for COVID. The test kits include instructions or parents can watch a short instructional video here. (Note: The school nurse may adjust this schedule based on when the exposure takes place and when testing begins.) Staff members will receive test kits and leave school with the same instructions. As long as the individuals test negative for COVID and remain asymptomatic (free of symptoms), they can continue attending school. This option is subject to New York's ability to provide the district with an adequate number of test kits.
Testing to Stay in School
| Day 0 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
| Student is exposed to COVID | Test | Test | Test |
Scenario #3: A student or staff member who is NOT fully vaccinated, is exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case, tests positive, but never develops symptoms: The individual must quarantine for five days, beginning from the positive test date. The parent or adult must immediately notify Herkimer County Public Health (call 315-867-1176) of the test result. The individual can return to school on the sixth day—but must wear a well-fitting mask for days six through 10.
Testing Positive without Symptoms
| Day 0 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 |
| Student tests positive | Returns to school |
Scenario #4: A student or staff member who is NOT fully vaccinated, is exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case, tests positive and develops symptoms: If individuals develop symptoms, they must quarantine for five days. Quarantine begins from the onset of symptoms, whichever is earliest. The child’s parent or adult must immediately notify Herkimer County Public Health (call 315-867-1176) of the test result. Individuals can return to school on the sixth day if symptoms have improved and they have no fever—and wear a well-fitting mask for days six through 10.
Testing Positive with Symptoms
| Day 0 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 |
| Individual tests positive and Exhibits Symptoms | Returns to school if improved symptoms and no fever |
Scenario #5: A student or staff member who is NOT fully vaccinated, is exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case and develops symptoms: If individuals develop symptoms, they must quarantine for five days. Quarantine begins from the onset of symptoms. Individuals can return to school on the sixth day if symptoms have improved and they have no fever—and wear a well-fitting mask for days six through 10.
Developing Symptoms
| Day 0 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 |
| Individual Exhibits Symptoms | Returns to school if improved symptoms and no fever |