Dear Parents/Guardians of the Bellmore and Merrick Communities, 

We have received new guidance dated January 10, 2022 from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) indicating that they are aligning with CDC’s updated COVID-19 isolation and quarantine recommendations. These recommendations shorten quarantine and isolation periods.

The NYSDOH isolation and quarantine guidance is as follows: 

Quarantine (for individuals who are exposed to someone with COVID-19)  

• In-classroom activities: All fully vaccinated individuals (students, teachers, and staff), who have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19 may continue to attend or work at school, regardless of booster status, while quarantined outside of school.    
• Students, teachers, and staff who are not vaccinated or have not completed a primary vaccine series 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.

Isolation (for individuals testing positive for COVID-19) 

• Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate for a minimum of 5 days (regardless of vaccination status). If symptoms persist, further isolation will be required; otherwise, they may attend or work at school after the 5-day isolation.  

It is very important that children recovering from COVID should be healthy before returning to school. No one should return with a fever. Unvaccinated close contacts must be asymptomatic to return after five days.

For students currently quarantined or isolated, please see the chart and information below:

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support. We look forward to continually working together for the benefit of our students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joseph S. Famularo

Mr. Michael Harrington

Dr. Dominick Palma

Dr. Cynthia Seniuk

Mrs. Marie Testa