Area School COVID-19 Update
by Doug La Rocque
Hoosick Falls Central School (HFCS) made a decision to switch to fully remote learning for the week of October 5 through 9, with the school building slated to re-open for classes on Tuesday, October 13. In a letter posted on the school’s website, superintendent Patrick Dailey said “the health and safety of the students and staff at Hoosick Falls CSD are our first priority.” He added “with the number of cases increasing in the community, a significant number of students reporting absent and a high demand for substitutes we have decided to pivot to remote learning.”
The letter also said in the past week, two high school students have tested positive for COVID-19. The district has followed all Rensselaer County and New York State Department of Health recommendations for quarantine and cleaning. Since notification, the district had to quarantine a number of staff members as well as students that came in contact with the positive individuals. To date, HFCS has not been notified of any new cases related to the school district.
Superintendent Dailey said the District is taking a proactive stance on the health and safety of the students. “While closing the building is a difficult decision, we feel it is in the best interest of students, families and staff.”
As of press time, no other school districts are reporting any COVID-19 cases nor have any announced any scheduling or status changes.
In New Lebanon, the Walter B. Howard Elementary School was closed on Friday, October 2, but not because of the virus. It was an asbestos disturbance in a cleaning closet that was to blame. District Superintendent Andrew Kourt said in a notice posted on that school’s website the decision to close was made out of an abundance of caution. Classes resumed on Monday, October 5, after air quality testing indicated the building was safe for students and staff to return. Superintendent Kourt also added that per regulations, “we have contacted the Department of Labor to approve a project for the cleanup and abatement process. We expect this work to be completed over Columbus Day weekend. Until then, the area in the immediate vicinity of the cleaning closet has been properly isolated as a precaution.” He also wanted to thank the staff for being ready to quickly pivot to remote learning for the day on Friday, and our families for their understanding at the last minute change in plans.
COVID-19 In Rensselaer County
On Tuesday afternoon, October 6, Rensselaer County health officials reported 10 new cases, six of those connected to family or community contact. One case involves a Hoosick resident, not of school age. There are currently 5 county residents hospitalized, with one in ICU.
COVID-19 In Columbia County
Tuesday saw one new case reported, with one county resident currently hospitalized in ICU.
On Friday, October 2, the county reported that 10 migrant workers had tested positive, and that all ten resided in the same home. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in New Lebanon remains at nine, a figure that has not changed in more than a month.