For the last 18 months, Rebecca Carmen has served as the COVID coordinator for the Shenendehowa Central School District, one of the largest school district in the Capital Region.

When there’s a positive case at one of the schools, Carmen spends hours contact tracing and asking several questions to see if individuals need to be quarantined.

“What classes they are in, what level, do they ride the bus?" said Carmen, director of policy and community development at Shen. "And then those close contacts, we have to review to ensure are they vaccinated or unvaccinated.”

For example, if a student tests positive in a class setting, she’ll reach out to those around that individual. Classmates within three feet will be notified, but if they’re vaccinated and masked, they will not have to quarantine, as long as they’re not showing symptoms.

“Obviously, we recommended everyone get tested on day five after the exposure," Carmen said. "So this is the information we have to give every student.”

But if someone unvaccinated is in close contact with someone who tested positive, they will be required to quarantine. Carmen says every situation is different, depending on many factors.

“It’s not a clear-cut one and done, be done. There’s a lot of work behind contact tracing,” Carmen said.

As of Wednesday, the state COVID-19 report card showed 33 total positive cases at Shenendehowa among students, teachers and staff.

With the return of in-person learning, testing has increased significantly at local pharmacies like Marra’s in Cohoes.

"Probably about 20 to 30 tests per day,” said John McDonald III, a member of the state Assembly and a pharmacist and president of Marra’s Pharmacy in Cohoes. He says that’s a jump compared to late spring and early summer, when daily tests conducted were in the single digits.

McDonald says home test kits have been at a premium, and unable to order for several weeks. He doesn’t expect to see that change any time soon, and is preparing for more testing appointments at the pharmacy.

“COVID is still being spread and it reinforces why still need to have people really consider the vaccine,” McDonald said.

Before sending children to school each day, Carmen advises parents to make sure their child doesn’t have any symptoms. And if they’re not feeling well, she says please have them stay home.

“That is our number one priority is to provide opportunities for students to learn and be present and be here,” Carmen said.