Attention Minisink Valley school community:
Students who are in Minisink Valley school buildings during the summer will no longer be required to wear masks during classes beginning Monday, July 12.
This change is being made in accordance with updated New York Department of Health (DOH) guidance. In a July 8 email, NYSDOH said that given current low rates of COVID-19 transmission, schools/districts may decide to implement revised masking policies consistent with those available to summer camps. Summer camps received updated interim guidance on July 7.
It’s important to note this information applies to the 2021 summer session only. NYSDOH said it will provide information for 2021-2022 school year in the near future.
The revised state guidelines state unvaccinated children (which currently includes all students under 12) still must wear face coverings on buses. However, Minisink Valley is requiring all bus passengers to wear masks. NYSDOH also requires unvaccinated staff to wear a face covering at all times while indoors (except when eating, drinking or taking a mask break).
PLEASE NOTE: NYSDOH strongly recommend masks be worn in indoor settings by children who are not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
The updated guidance has also been reviewed and supported by Dr. Sara Little, the district’s medical director.
In addition, NYSDOH also said a school district’s daily reporting to the COVID 19 Report Card is no longer required.
“We continue to follow all NYSDOH guidance on all COVID-19 matters,” said Superintendent Brian Monahan. “But, I must again stress this guidance relates to the summer months only. We expect to learn what the NYSDOH will require of all school districts as we near the opening day of school in late August. We appreciate your ongoing patience and understanding.”