Parents are wondering where they can find information on how many students and staff have COVID-19 in their schools’ districts.
Some district websites are sharing the number of students and staff that are COVID-positive, and even those that are in quarantine. Other school districts do not.
“Unfortunately, our district is not providing that information yet,” said Stacy Orefice, a Central New York parent of two boys. “I want to know everything; even when I say I don’t want to know, I want to know everything. There’s only one way for me to make an informed decision, and that’s for transparency.”
Last school year, parents had the New York State Department of Health School COVID Report Card, where they could access their schools’ COVID numbers. So far this year, the survey data has not been provided.
The Department of Health told Spectrum News 1 that, since September 13, they require all schools to submit a daily COVID-19 positive report between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. for each full day of school. Orefice is aware and grateful for all schools have to do to be open this year.
“I know they have a lot of hard work, and they’re doing the best they can,” she said.
The DOH says it is simplifying the COVID Report Card website for the schools, and it should be back online for the public by Monday.
“For better or for worse, we need to know. What’s good for my family on Monday may not be good for my family on Wednesday,” Orefice said.
