To promote the health, safety, well-being, and academic success of students and staff members, the following health protocols and procedures are in place for the start of the 2023-24 school year. The district will monitor levels of COVID-19 in the community and public health guidance that may be received by the district.

The COVID transmission level in Albany County is currently LOW (Sept. 15, 2023). 

Stay home when appropriate

A student or staff member should remain at home if symptomatic and contact their healthcare provider for evaluation, treatment or testing. No COVID testing will take place at school. 

Symptoms of COVID can include 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, vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status.

If you test positive for COVID, please follow the guidance from the Albany County Department of Health (received Sept. 15, 2023)

• The individual is excluded from school and should isolate for 5 days with day zero being the day symptoms began. The individual can return to school on day 6 if they are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and symptoms are improving.
• The individual should wear a mask on days 6-10 on return to school.
• A mask is not required if students return to school with two negative tests within 48 hours.
• Any positive case reported to the district must be reported to the Albany County Department of Health.
• If you have any questions, please contact the Albany County Department of Health at (518) 447-4580.

All exposed, asymptomatic individuals, regardless of vaccination status, may continue to attend school/work.

Face masks are not required

Universal face masks are not required at school however, face masks are available for individuals who would like one. The choice to wear a face mask will be supported and protected by all staff and students.

A healthy school environment is a priority

All schools in the Bethlehem Central School District are cleaned daily using EPA-approved products. Upgraded and frequently replaced HVAC filters are in use throughout the District and HEPA air purifiers are used in all classrooms and indoor office areas.

Contact your school nurse if you have questions    

Whenever you have questions regarding your child’s health status, please reach out to your school nurse.