What Happens When A JPS Student Or Staff Member Tests Positive COVID-19?
Jamestown Public Schools would like to remind families and the community of the steps taken when a JPS student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19.
“We are so appreciative of our student, families and community who are doing such a fantastic job following the health and safety protocols in our schools. We could not have reopened schools successfully without our community’s help,” said JPS Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker. “We want to ensure our community that we are following all of the guidelines from the Chautauqua County Department of Health and NYS Health Department when there is a positive COVID-19 case in the district and take the health of our school community very seriously.”
What happens if a JPS student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?
The Chautauqua County Health Department notifies the district when a JPS student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19.
JPS will help the Health Department to identify any students or staff who may have been in close contact with the individual that tested positive.
JPS will notify close contacts in the school that they must remain home from school or work until further directions are given by the Health Department.
A trained Health Department specialist will notify all close contacts about a possible exposure to COVID-19. It is very important to answer the call from NYS Contact Tracing, 518-387-9993, to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. This number may show up as being from Schenectady, NY. All information is kept confidential.
What does it mean to be a “close contact” of someone who tests positive for COVID-19?Â
A close contact is one who has been within 6 feet of an infected person for ten minutes or more, or one who was exposed to an infected person in a standard classroom setting for 60 minutes or more.
Close contacts will be required to quarantine by the Chautauqua County Health Department. The quarantine period lasts 14 days from exposure, unless otherwise directed by the Health Department on a case-specific basis.
Do I need a COVID-19 test if I am considered a close contact?
Testing is not necessary or required unless you develop symptoms.
If you would like to be tested, please contact your healthcare provider. Those without a provider may call 716-338-0010.
A negative COVID-19 test does not change the quarantine requirements of the Chautauqua County Department of Health.
How can I keep my family and community safe while under quarantine?
Stay home and away from others.
Monitor your health – watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
If you develop symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
How do I know if I can return to school or work?
The Chautauqua County Health Department will officially release you from quarantine or isolation. JPS parents or staff members should forward the email they received or any other documentation to their supervisor or principal, the school nurse or Dr. Jill Muntz, JPS Coordinator of Health Services, at 716-483-4376 or jill.a.muntz@jpsny.org. JPS Staff can reach John Panebianco, Director of Human Resources, at 716-483-4498 or john.f.panebianco@jpsny.org.
Who do I contact with questions?
If you need support or assistance while under quarantine, contact the Chautauqua County Health Department Nursing Division during normal business hours at 716-753-4491.Â
If you have questions about returning to school or work at JPS: Families can reach Dr. Jill Muntz, JPS Coordinator of Health Services, at 716-483-4376 or jill.a.muntz@jpsny.orgÂ
JPS Staff can reach John Panebianco, Director of Human Resources, at 716-483-4498 or john.f.panebianco@jpsny.org.