The Bethlehem Central School District was informed today, Monday, Nov. 30, of two confirmed cases of COVID-19: one at the high school and another at the middle school. In both cases, the individuals who tested positive are in isolation and will not return to school until cleared by the Albany County Department of Health.
The Albany County Department of Health has determined through its case investigation that there was possible exposure in the middle school case only. As a precaution, the Health Department will quarantine several students and one teacher.
Families of the middle school students who are subject to quarantine are being contacted by both the school and the Department of Health regarding quarantine requirements. The school district is cooperating fully with contact tracing efforts by the Health Department. The potential exposure at BCMS took place on Monday, Nov. 23, the last day the individual who tested positive was in school.
Those individuals subject to quarantine who are at the middle school today are being isolated by the BCMS Health Office and are being sent home. For all others at the middle school, in-person instruction will continue as scheduled.
In the high school case, the Department of Health has indicated there was no exposure at the school related to this case and that there are no additional steps required for the district at this time regarding contact tracing.
Please keep in mind that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws do not allow the district to disclose or confirm any personally identifiable information; therefore, we cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.
In the district, there have been 25 cases of COVID-19 confirmed by the Albany County Department of Health since the start of the school year:
- BCHS – 19
- BCMS – 2
- Eagle Elementary School – 1
- Glenmont Elementary School – 1
- Slingerlands Elementary School – 2
It is important that families districtwide continue to complete the district’s COVID screening tool every morning before school. Any indicator that results in a red “thumbs-down” on the screening should be reported to your child’s school nurse as soon as possible.
In addition, please continue to follow these safety protocols:
- Always wear a mask that covers both the mouth and nose when you are out of your home or if someone from outside your household visits your home.
- Wash hands with soap and water frequently when out of your home. If you cannot use soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Don’t touch the eyes, nose or mouth unless your hands are clean.
- Do not come to school when you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, congestion or runny nose.
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately. COVID-19 testing information is available by calling the New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 364-3065 or on the Albany County Department of Health website.
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