The Bethlehem Central School District has learned of four new positive cases of COVID-19 in the school district, including at the high school, the middle school and Hamagrael Elementary School.
Bethlehem Central High School
- An individual associated with the high school (Grade 12) has tested positive. No close contacts have been identified as a result of this case. The individual was last at the school on Thursday, Sept. 30. The person who tested positive will not return to the school until cleared by the health department.
- An individual associated with the high school has tested positive. No close contacts have been identified as a result of this case. The individual was last at the school on Monday, Sept. 27. The person who tested positive will not return to the school until cleared by the health department.
Districtwide
- An individual associated with a school bus that travels to Hamagrael Elementary School and Bethlehem Central Middle School has tested positive. Five close contacts have been identified as a result of this case. The individual was last on the bus on Thursday, Sept. 30. The person who tested positive will not return to the district until cleared by the health department.
- An individual who is not associated with one of the district’s school buildings has tested positive. One close contact has been identified as a result of this case. The individual was last at the school on Thursday, Sept. 30. The person who tested positive will not return to the district until cleared by the health department.
The Albany County Department of Health has established new quarantine protocols for 2021-22 when there is potential COVID exposure at school or on the school bus. In all reported cases, the district works closely with the health department to determine the students and staff who must quarantine. It is important for parents to notify their school nurse of their child’s vaccination status. This information helps the district and the county with contact tracing and quarantine. School nurse contact information can be found here.
In addition, proper use of face masks and social distancing play important roles in mitigating the spread of the virus and in determining who must quarantine. Student use of face masks so far has been exemplary in most situations. Please remind your students of the importance of continuing proper usage of face masks when indoors at school, during the school day, and after school.
Students, staff, and families are asked to watch for symptoms of COVID-19. If you are exhibiting any of the following symptoms, please stay home and contact your healthcare provider:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Diagnostic 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.
COVID-19 vaccination for eligible students is strongly encouraged. Vaccination is required for teachers and staff, as well as for eligible students who wish to participate in athletics or extracurriculars deemed “high risk” while the district is in an area of high transmission. Vaccinations are currently available for all individuals 12 and older. A list of vaccination sites in Albany County can be found here or you can contact your family physician.
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