In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection in CRB, facilities operations will be geared toward meeting social distancing requirements and cleaning frequently touched spaces regularly. In carrying out projects or tasks supporting infection control, requirements will be met for changes associated with building spaces. Plans for changes or additions to facilities that require review by the Office of Facilities Planning (OFP), will be submitted to comply with the requirements of the 2020 New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (BC) and the State Energy Conservation Code.
The function, position and operation of stairs and corridor doors, which have closers with automatic hold opens (and are automatically released by the fire alarm system), will remain unchanged. Water sampling and testing will be carried out upon the reopening of school under conditions consistent with when the building is normally occupied, and CRB has met all requirements regarding the submission of the Building Condition Survey. Upon reopening, CRB plans to increase ventilation with outdoor air to the greatest extent possible (e.g., opening windows and doors), to the greatest extent possible while maintaining health and safety protocols particularly for younger students.
Cleaning and disinfection following a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case:
Capital Region BOCES will provide for the cleaning and disinfection of exposed areas in the event an individual is confirmed to have COVID-19, with such cleaning and disinfection to include, at a minimum, all heavy transit areas and high-touch surfaces in accordance with The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cleaning and disinfecting guidelines including:
- Closing off areas used by the person who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.
- A confirmed case of COVID-19 does not necessarily require Capital Region BOCES to close operations, if we can close off the affected areas (e.g., classroom, restroom, hallway). The decision to close part or all of a facility will be made in collaboration with the Albany or Schoharie County Health Department.
- Opening outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
- Wait 24 hours before you clean and disinfect, unless waiting 24 hours is not feasible, in which case, wait as long as possible.
- Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, such as offices, classrooms, bathrooms, lockers, and common areas.
- Once the area has been appropriately cleaned and disinfected, it can be reopened for use.
- Individuals without close or proximate contact with the person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 can return to the area and resume school activities immediately after cleaning and disinfection.
- If more than seven days have passed since the person who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 visited or used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary, but routine cleaning and disinfection should continue.