COVID-19

What will trigger a full or partial closure of the School?

The following would trigger a full or partial closure of ECFS:

• As ordered by federal, state, or local regulations;

• As recommended, following a consultation with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene;

• Isolation of a number of dining services employees whose absence would preclude the School from providing dining services; 

• Isolation of a number of bus drivers whose absence would preclude the School from providing transportation services;

• Isolation of a number of employees whose absence would preclude the School from providing adequate supervision or instruction;

• Isolation of a number of nurses whose absence would preclude the School from providing medical supervision;

• 20% of students/employees under isolation at the Upper School would constitute an automatic closure of that division. The closure of the Upper School may trigger the closure of the Middle School should conditions necessitate;

• 20% of students/employees under isolation at the Middle School would constitute an automatic closure of that division. The closure of the Middle School may trigger the closure of the Upper School should conditions necessitate;

• 20% of students/employees under isolation at Ethical Culture or Fieldston Lower would constitute an automatic closure of that division. 

The School reserves the right to close campuses or divisions for in-person learning should it be deemed prudent based on a number of variables within our school community, city, and state.

Will ECFS close its campuses if New York City public schools close due to increasing COVID-19 positivity rates?

The School will not make decisions in lockstep with the New York City Department of Education.

What will cause the School to transition to the fully remote learning option?

Unless a full closure is warranted to protect the health and safety of our community, the School will endeavor to decrease the scale or scope of in-person education prior to initiating a full transition to remote learning. These reductions will help to eliminate the number of students on campus and time students may spend on campus and include the temporary suspension of in-person athletics, after-school or before-school programs, and courses. 

How will you protect those who are at high risk in our community?

According to the CDC, some members of our community need to take extra precautions in order to protect themselves. Additional information about populations at higher risk for severe illness can be found here. Reasonable accommodations are made for those members of our community who cannot engage in school activities, whether those are academic, co-curricular, or related to other programming. Families should speak to their child’s divisional principal; employees should speak with Human Resources. 

What is the mask policy at ECFS? 

ECFS has moved to a mask-optional policy effective 3/9/22.

What is the plan for physical distancing this year? 

Physical distancing has been eliminated for the 2023 - 2024 school year.

At what times do individuals still need to wear a mask? 

Students and employees who return to school following a 5-day COVID-19 isolation are still required to wear masks indoors through day 10. Masks may be removed during this period if the person has received two negative rapid tests 48 hours apart. These test results do not need to be reported to the school. 

We strongly encourage individuals to wear masks when visiting the Nurse's Office. Masks will remain near the entrances to these spaces to provide easy access.

Are masks still required on the school bus?

No, masks are no longer required on the school bus. 

Are masks still required at indoor evening events, concerts, or competitions?

No, masks are no longer required at indoor evening events, concerts, or athletic competitions. 

What is the plan for screening testing this year?

We have discontinued the on-campus COVID-19 screening testing program, though we may reinstate this mitigation strategy if needed in the future. 

Do unvaccinated individuals still need to be tested weekly as previously required by the NYC DOH?

No, this order has been suspended and is no longer in effect.

Does ECFS require vaccination?

Over the past several years, our commitment to a COVID-19 vaccination mandate has been instrumental in safeguarding the health and well-being of our school community. With nearly 100% of our students and employees being fully vaccinated, we proudly joined the city's efforts in promoting accessible and timely vaccinations for all. While we recognize the ongoing importance of vaccinations in advancing community health and safety, we find ourselves in a different phase of our COVID-19 response compared to when these requirements were initially established.

Recently, the federal public health emergency declaration has come to an end, alongside the global public health emergency status declared by the World Health Organization. In alignment with various federal, state, and local partners, including the New York City mandate for municipal employees, we have made the decision to conclude our COVID-19 vaccination mandate effective for the upcoming 2023–2024 school year.

As we transition into this new phase, it is essential for families to stay informed by consulting the latest COVID-19 vaccination guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We encourage everyone to consider voluntary COVID-19 vaccinations and remain vigilant in adhering to regional COVID-19 information. We will continue to monitor our internal COVID-19 metrics and the New York State Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance and will communicate any pertinent updates should the need arise. 

What are Bivalent Boosters?

The updated (bivalent) boosters are called “bivalent” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5. Previous boosters are called “monovalent” because they were designed to protect against the original virus that causes COVID-19. They also provide some protection against Omicron, but not as much as the updated (bivalent) boosters. The virus that causes COVID-19 has changed over time. The different versions of the virus that have developed over time are called variants. Learn more about variants of the COVID-19 virus. Two COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, Pfizer and Moderna, have developed updated (bivalent) COVID-19 boosters.

CDC recommends that people ages 5 years and older receive one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was:

• Their final primary series dose, or

• An original (monovalent) booster

People who have gotten more than one original (monovalent) booster are also recommended to get an updated (bivalent) booster.

Does my child need a third dose to complete a primary series? 

Children and teens ages 5 through 17 years who are moderately or severely immunocompromised will need a third dose to complete their primary series, as well as boosters if eligible. Children and teens with a weakened immune system should get:

• 1 booster if they are ages 5 through 11 years

• 2 boosters if they are ages 12 years and older

However, children six months to four years old will require 3-doses if completing a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination. 

My child contracted COVID-19 between their first and second dose, what should we do? 

Families with children who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may be required to further delay their second dose and should speak directly with their child's primary care provider. 

When is my child considered "fully vaccinated"? 

A person is considered fully vaccinated with vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection ≥2 weeks after receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) or ≥2 weeks after receipt of a single dose of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.

What happens if my child experiences side effects following vaccination? 

Vaccinated individuals may experience side effects following their COVID-19 vaccination including pain and swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. The CDC offers additional resources about what to expect after getting the vaccine here. 

The New York City Department of Health has issued additional guidance regarding the return to school for individuals who are experiencing post-vaccine side effects. Individuals with symptom onset occurring more than three days following vaccination must follow our standard return-to-school procedures outlined above. 

For individuals with symptom onset less than three days after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine: 

• If symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, students must follow our standard return-to-school procedure which may include testing or a physician’s note. 

• If the only symptoms are fatigue, headache, chills, or muscle or joint pain, students may return to school without a negative COVID-19 test if symptoms resolve within two days. If symptoms persist beyond this timeframe, students must follow our normal return-to-school procedure.

How do I submit my child's vaccination record? 

On the computer: 

1. Log into your Magnus Health account.

2. Click the "Complete Now" button next to your child's name.

3. If you have already submitted immunization documents and are uploading an additional vaccine card document, click "Edit" next to the Immunization Form. If this is the first time you are adding a document, click "Turn it in."

4. If this is your first time adding immunization documents, follow the directions for uploading the files. If you are adding to existing documents, it will ask you if you would like to add an additional page or form. Click “Yes, continue”.

5. It will ask you if you have already obtained and completed the form. Click “Yes, submit”.

6. Click “Upload” to add a copy of your student’s COVID Vaccination Record Card.

On the mobile application:

1. Log into the Magnus Mobile V2 app and select your child's name.

2. Click "Forms".

3. Find "Immunization Form" on the list of forms and select it. If you are uploading forms for the first time, follow the instructions for upload.

4. If you have already uploaded immunization documents and are uploading an additional vaccine card document, click "Resubmit." You will be prompted with a message that says you must clear your previous answers. Disregard this message and click "Clear". Your previously uploaded files will stay in the immunization form folder.

5. Click “Complete Form” and follow instructions for upload to add a copy of your student’s COVID Vaccination Record Card. 

Who do I talk to about a bill I received from the on-campus vaccination clinic?

Please contact Assistant Director of Campus Services, Soraya Falipou Karkari at sfalipou-karkari@ecfs.org. 

How is the School approaching ventilation?

For buildings with central air conditioning systems, the School’s certified HVAC contractor has installed the highest-rated MERV filters that meet the current New York State requirements. For rooms with window air conditioners and split unit (ductless) air conditioners, the School’s certified HVAC contractor has installed the highest appropriate filters based on unit specifications. To date, the CDC guidance has recommended increasing outdoor air to rooms like this by opening doors and windows. Ventilation will be increased with outdoor air to the greatest extent possible.

The School will schedule HVAC filter changes based on manufacturer guidelines and in consultation with our certified HVAC contractor. The School will make replacements with the highest rated MERV filter that can be accepted by the unit. Staff will be equipped with proper PPE when working with HVAC filters.  

In classrooms that don't have access to HVAC ventilation, the School will provide air purifiers which have HEPA 13 air filters. These filters are commonly used in a biomedical capacity and are tested to remove 99.9% of particles down to 0.1 microns. 

Where possible during peak use times, doors will be latched in an open position to minimize necessary contact.

Additionally, the School will ensure that: 

• all systems are working properly and are code compliant;

• diffusers, exhausts, and unit vents are not blocked or obstructed by cabinets, books or other materials; 

• routine maintenance and inspection schedules are strictly adhered to;

• bathroom exhaust systems are running 24/7; 

• systems are running longer on days in which school is in session;

• building air is flushed at least two hours prior to and one hour after occupancy; 

• window and/or box fans are used to cross ventilate rooms to exhaust stale room air in the absence of mechanical ventilation;

• window based air conditioning units are set to the outdoor air setting rather than the recirculate setting;

• devices are sized appropriately with the correct clean air delivery rate (CADR); 

• units that feature ionizers, precipitators, or ozone generators are not utilized; 

• units can deliver at least two air turnovers per hour for typical school classroom sizes; and,

• units are CARB and Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) certified;