Dear BASD Community members,

As the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak continues to spread, we are monitoring the situation to make sure we are reacting in the best interest of our entire school community. Kathy Halkins, RN and BASD supervisor of Health Services, is leading our preparation and response efforts and is in touch with me multiple times a day. Mrs. Halkins is communicating daily with the City of Bethlehem Health Bureau and with the head of St. Luke’s Community Health and Preventative Medicine Department. Mrs. Halkins also receives regular updates from the PA Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Medical and public health officials at all levels continue to adapt their guidance based on changing conditions in the field. As a result, BASD planning is also adaptive as we anticipate a variety of potential situations as exposure to COVID-19 grows.

During the flu season each year, our Facilities Department focuses on disinfection of “high touch” areas such as door knobs, water fountains, faucet handles, and desks. We are increasing our attention to those areas even more due to COVID-19. Our custodial staff is monitoring restrooms to restock soap and paper towels as use of those items has increased. We are also stepping up our regimen for disinfecting our 120 buses as well.

The most effective method for protecting against the virus is personal hygiene by every single person. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes may land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into their lungs. Coronavirus can also spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects. For example, a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

For these reasons frequent washing of hands with soap and water, sneezing and coughing into your arm, and staying home if you have flu-like symptoms continue to be the most effective ways to slow the spread of the virus.

Under the leadership of Dr. Silva, our Educational Programs Department is developing contingency learning plans using our existing instructional technology tools as a result of quickly changing conditions in the state and nation. Additionally, we are reviewing upcoming student trips based on destination, duration of trip and planned activities.

This situation is changing on a daily, and even on an hourly basis. BASD will make decisions for prevention and remediation based on the facts at the time and with the recommendations of our community health professionals.

If you have questions or information to provide to Mrs. Halkins, RN please email her at khalkins@basdschools.org.

Thank you,

Joseph Roy, Ed.D

Superintendent of School