Be smart and stay healthy for the new year!

While COVID-19 remains with us and illnesses such as flu and RSV are on the rise, the City School District of Albany would like to remind students, employees and families of precautions that will help keep our school community healthy as we head into the holiday season and cold-weather months.

These illnesses can be devastating to young children and older people; individuals with certain heart conditions, neuromuscular disorders or chronic lung diseases like asthma; and people with weakened immune systems. 

The district continues to follow guidance set by the Albany County Health Department and New York State Department of Health. These recommendations include:

• Staying home from school, work and public areas when you are sick. This will help protect others from catching your illness
• Staying up-to-date on vaccines, including flu, COVID-19 (and boosters) and Tdap (to protect against whooping cough)
• Washing your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds
• Sneezing or coughing into your elbow – NOT your hands
• Wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask when in public spaces

According to the state Health Department, the number of confirmed flu cases has tripled and flu hospitalizations have doubled throughout the state over the past three weeks. RSV and other respiratory illnesses are on the rise as well, and COVID-19 continues to be a leading cause of death nationwide for unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people.