HCSD COVID-19 Update
March 18, 2022

According to updated guidance from the Westchester County Department of Health, negative test results from a rapid antigen home test can now be accepted by the District provided that two (2) rapid antigen tests are given at least 24 or 36 hours apart, consistent with the instructions that accompany the test kit.  Photographs of the two test results labeled with the date and time each test was administered must be submitted as proof of a negative test result.  

As a reminder, students, faculty and staff are required to stay home and get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms, which include fever over 100° Fahrenheit without the use of fever suppressing medication, shaking or chills, cough, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, unusual or significant fatigue, persistent muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or new loss of taste or smell.

The individual may return to school when their symptoms are improving, and they are fever-free (without the use of fever reducing medication) for at least 24 hours, AND (a) have a doctor’s note indicating they do not require a COVID-19 test OR (b) have a negative COVID-19 test result (2 test results required for at-home tests). 

Through our testing partnership with Mount Sinai Hospital, the District conducted PCR testing on March 7 and March 14:

• March 7: 435 PCR Tests; 1 positive result; 0.2% positivity rate
• March 14: 440 PCR Tests; 4 positive results; 0.9% positivity rate

The positivity rate since the return from the December break is as follows:

The District plans to continue offering COVID-19 testing to students, faculty and staff to at least the week after April break to monitor the presence of COVID-19 in our school community. 

NYSDOH requires HCSD to collect data on positive COVID-19 cases and report these cases to the NYS COVID-19 dashboard.  These cases include positive test results from Harrison's weekly PCR testing program and test results from health care providers that are reported to the District by parents, faculty and staff.  Updated COVID-19 data for the District and each school can be found on the NYS COVID-19 Report Card.

To access school-specific information:

1. Go to NYS COVID-19 Report Card
2. Click on "Public Schools"
3. Type in "Harrison"
4. Click on the links for each school

Related Information:

• COVID-19 Positivity Data for Westchester County

As a result of the Harrison Central School District’s advocacy, New York State and Westchester County provided free rapid antigen test kits for students, faculty and staff.  Test kits may be picked in the main office of each school.  Since these tests are performed at home, the results cannot be used to clear children to return to school, but they can be used to help families stay safe and provide timely information if someone becomes symptomatic.  Parents should consult with their pediatrician if a child becomes symptomatic or has a positive test result at home.