Given the high transmission of COVID-19 in Albany County, the Bethlehem Central School District is returning to a universal indoor masking policy for all faculty, staff, students, visitors and vendors beginning Monday, August 16.
Appropriate face masks (masks that are at least two-ply, fit snugly and cover both the nose and mouth) must be worn at all times in all buildings, regardless of vaccination status. This change reflects the recommendations of the CDC both for schools and for all indoor public settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
Physical distancing of at least three feet must also be maintained between all individuals. For unvaccinated adults, distancing of at least six feet must be maintained. Masks and distancing are part of a layered mitigation effort to reduce the spread the Delta variant. The rules are also important when the district is assisting the Albany County Department of Health with contact tracing in cases of potential exposure to COVID.
Vaccination continues to be the most important tool for mitigating risks associated with COVID-19. If you are eligible but have not been vaccinated, please consider doing so before the start of the school year. It is the most important thing you can do for your own health and safety and for those students and staff who can’t be vaccinated. A list of vaccine availability can be found here: https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine-information
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