Posted on by john.noetzel

Plan to travel during the holidays? Information for GASD families/staff regarding the NYS Travel Advisory

Dear GASD Families and Staff,

As the holiday travel season approaches, we would like to remind you about the New York State Travel Advisory and how it can impact your ability to return to school for in-person instruction. Below are various scenarios that could happen during the upcoming holiday season. Please read each one carefully as you make your holiday plans.

Warning: The CDC has classified Puerto Rico as a Level 3 area with high risk of COVID-19 and advises people to avoid nonessential travel there.

Advertencia: El CDC ha clasificado a Puerto Rico como un país de Nivel 3 con alto riesgo de COVID-19 y aconseja a las personas que eviten los viajes no esenciales allí.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION | MÁS INFORMACIÓN

YOUR FAMILY VISITS AN AREA THAT IS PART OF THE NYS TRAVEL ADVISORY

If your family travels outside of the country (Level 2/Level 3) or to a state that does not border New York (Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania), the New York State Department of Health requires you to complete a Traveler Health Form when you return. It does not matter how your family travels (airplane, car, bus, train, etc.).

This form, along with details about the travel advisory, can be found online. Failure to comply with the Travel Advisory could result in a mandatory quarantine order or a fine from the NYS Department of Health.

Once you return to New York, there are two options:

  1. Within three days of departure for New York, travelers must obtain a test in the state of departure, and have proof of a negative test upon arrival.
  • Once you arrive in New York, you must first quarantine for three days. On the fourth day, you can be tested. If the test on the fourth day is negative, you’re released from quarantine.
  • Your child will not be allowed to attend in-person classes for the entire quarantine period.
  • If your test or your child’s test is positive, you must remain in quarantine per the instructions of the department of health.

OR

2. Your entire family is expected to quarantine at home for 14 days if you choose not to be tested.

  • Your child will not be allowed to attend in-person classes or participate in any on-campus activities for the entire quarantine period.

If the district learns that your child traveled out of state to a place on the advisory list and returned, but did not notify the school about travel and fill out the above form, the following will happen:

  • You will be contacted by the school and asked to pick up your child as soon as possible
  • Your child will be removed from their class and isolated until you arrive to pick them up
  • The school must contact the Montgomery County Department of Health and they will conduct a public health investigation

Example

Your family always spends Thanksgiving with family members in Virginia. Virginia is on the NYS Travel Advisory.

As a family you must:

  • Complete a Traveler Health Form
  • Contact the school office and notify them of the planned travel. Let the school nurse know if you will be testing upon return or quarantining for the full 14 days. You will work with the school to create a plan for remote instruction for your child during this time.

YOUR FAMILY HOSTS GUESTS FROM AREA IN THE NYS TRAVEL ADVISORY

Your family hosts guests from a state or (Level 2 / 3 country) that does not border New York. Your guests should have completed the NYS Traveler Health Form before arriving in our area.

Once they are in New York, they must do one of the following:

  1. Quarantine for 14 days or the duration of their stay (if less than 14 days)
  • Check their temperatures and monitor symptoms daily
  • Receive daily contact and check-ins from NYS Contact Tracing team

OR

2. Within three days of departure for New York, travelers must obtain a test in the state of departure, and have proof of a negative test upon arrival.

  • Once they arrive in New York, they must first quarantine for three days. On the fourth day, they can be tested. If the test on the fourth day is negative, they’re released from quarantine.

If your family complies with all of the above, your child will be allowed to continue in-person and virtual classes, but monitoring for symptoms is a must.

Example

Your child’s grandparents drive from Florida for and stay with you during the Christmas break. Florida is part of the Travel Advisory.

One of the following must take place:

  1. Your guests will need to quarantine for 14 days or the duration of their stay (if less than 14 days).
  • Your guests will also need to check their temperatures and monitor symptoms daily.

OR

2. Within three days of departure for New York, travelers must obtain a test in the state of departure, and have proof of a negative test upon arrival.

  • Once they arrive in New York, they must first quarantine for three days. On the fourth day, they can be tested. If the test on the fourth day is negative, they’re released from quarantine.

You will work with you guests to:

  • Remain in the residence for the duration of their stay or quarantine.
  • Wear a mask at all times when interacting with family and strive to maintain a 6-foot distance from others.
  • Have a separate bathroom and bedroom to use whenever possible.
  • Provide extra time cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces (door knobs, faucets, handrails, etc.).

TRAVEL FOR LESS THAN 24 HOURS

For travelers who were in another state (excluding Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania) for less than 24 hours:

  • The traveler does not need a test prior to their departure from the other state, and does not need to quarantine upon arrival in New York.
  • However, the traveler must fill out the traveler form upon entry into New York, and take a COVID diagnostic test 4 days after their arrival in New York.

Please understand that these policies will remain in effect until the Travel Advisory is lifted by the state.