(Updated January 4, 2022)
Dear Chatham CSD Parents and Guardians,
On January 3, Chatham Central School District received our COVID-19 at-home test kits that we informed you about on December 30. In order to get these tests into the hands of our families as quickly as possible, we will offer a drive-through pick up for parents/guardians only on Tuesday, January 4 from 3:00–5:30 p.m. at the student pick-up/drop-off lanes in front of our elementary school.
Upon arrival, please be prepared to show your ID. We appreciate your patience as there may be some waiting during the pick-up process.
If you are unable to pick up your child’s kit at the time provided, please call your child’s school no later than this Thursday to make other arrangements.
One test kit (containing two rapid tests each) will be provided for each student. Directions on how to administer the test are provided on the box.
Updated: Families will receive either the Access Bio Rapid Antigen Test or the iHealth Rapid Antigen Test.
Any student who tests positive on a take-home test must begin isolating immediately and the parent/guardian must report the results to our school and the Columbia County Department of Health (CCDOH). Students who test positive must isolate for 10 days and can return to school on day 11 if their symptoms have resolved. At this time, the CCDOH does not allow students to test out of isolation or quarantine.
These tests are being provided as a screening tool only. The CCDOH does not consider an at-home test to be a substitute for a lab-confirmed COVID test. Any at-home positive test result should be followed by a lab-confirmed COVID test.
Students who are experiencing COVID symptoms should remain home, even with a negative at-home test. A lab-confirmed negative test or a differential diagnosis from their health care provider is still required in order to return to school.
Again, taking part in testing is voluntary. We strongly encourage that you utilize these home test kits for your children when you receive them to help stem the post-holiday surge’s impact on our schools. If you or others in your household need to be tested, please visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you to find a nearby testing site.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sal DeAngelo Superintendent of School