Notice to Public

September 1, 2021

Face Coverings and Other COVID-19 Safety Guidelines will be followed this School Year

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Franklin County and the level of community transmission is high. On Monday, 8/30/2021, NYSDOH Education Constituents Group announced:

“Effective immediately, in accordance with the Commissioner's Determination issued pursuant to 10 NYCRR 2.60, any person over the age of 2 (including all students, personnel, teachers, administrators, contractors, and visitors) must wear masks at all times indoors in P-12 school buildings, regardless of vaccination status.

People with medical or developmental conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask may be exempted from mask requirements, as documented by a medical provider. People do not need to wear masks when eating, drinking, singing, or playing a wind instrument; when masks are removed for these purposes, individuals must be spaced six feet apart. All mask requirements must be applied consistently with any state and federal law (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act).”

Go to https://www.schoolhealthny.com/domain/132 for more on reopening New York State schools.

In order to keep our schools open this school year, face coverings will be just one of the many COVID-safe practices followed by all staff, students, and visitors in schools.  Other well-known safety practices include: physically distancing whenever possible, washing hands often, sanitizing high touch areas, staying home when sick, staying local, and getting vaccinated.

Percentage of those Vaccinated in Franklin County by Age Group

Everyone 12 and older is eligible for free COVID-19 vaccination.  According to the New York State Department of Health web site, https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/vaccine-demographic-data, as of Monday, 8/30/2021, Franklin County’s vaccination rates by age group:

It is apparent that we need to increase the vaccination rate of those age 12 - 54 to increase protection from COVID-19 in our county. 

Importance of Being Vaccinated

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at helping prevent COVID-19, especially severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Getting vaccinated reduces your chances of contracting COVID-19, protects you from severe illness requiring hospitalization, and helps to eliminate the virus’ ability to mutate and create new variants. Getting vaccinated also helps to protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as children 11 and under, from contracting COVID-19.

How to Get Vaccinated

To find a vaccine provider in your area, go to https://vaccinefinder.org/ , or text your zip code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.

Any resident requiring assistance in scheduling a vaccination appointment may call any of the following agencies:

• Community Connections 518 521-3507
• Tri-Lakes Center for Independent Living 518 891- 5295
• Office for the Aging 518 481-1526
• Franklin County Public Health  518 481-1710
• COVID-19 Call Center 518 481-1111