Please note this letter was emailed home to all BCSD families on December 18, 2023. If you did not receive this email please reach out to your building’s main office to update your contact information.
Dear BCSD Community,
The Berlin Central School District is monitoring an increase in the number of positive COVID-19, RSV, and Flu cases within our district.
The BCSD administrative team met today to review current infection rates and our protocols and practices regarding responding to COVID-19. At this time we intend to continue with in-person instruction, but wanted to make you aware in the event that changes. A continued increase in cases could result in staggered transportation/bus schedules, or moving to remote instruction at one or more buildings.
As in the past, we will need the community’s help and collaboration to continue to provide the best social-emotional and academic, in-person learning experiences, for our students as we work through this uptick in cases.
BCSD will place dispensers of hand sanitizers in all buildings and facilities, and make masks and other relevant PPE available. The BCSD Buildings and Grounds staff will continue to conduct daily cleaning and disinfection of facilities.
Please review the symptom chart and the important information below regarding prevention and symptoms.
If you have questions please feel free to reach out to your school building’s nurse or attendance clerk,
If you have questions please feel free to reach out to your school building’s nurse or attendance clerk, if you test positive, please notify your medical provider and your school’s building nurse.
COVID links below for guidance:
- COVID isolation and precautions-https://www.cdc.
gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ your-health/isolation.html - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/index.html
- BCSD COVID Resource Page
Free home test kits- https://www.covid.gov/tools-and-resources/resources/tests
We will continue to monitor the situation and update the community with any changes.
Prevention
Everyone should:
- Consider wearing a mask.
- If you are eligible for vaccination please consult with your medical care provider and check for available locations in the area.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before you eat.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue and discard it in a closed container.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
For people who have any of the above symptoms:
- Stay home, away from others.
- Talk to a healthcare provider.
- Notify your building’s school nurse.
- Get tested for COVID-19 BEFORE returning to school. Tests are available at both school buildings.
For people who test positive for COVID-19:
- Talk to your health care provider and stay home in isolation. Stay away from others, especially in your home. You can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by notifying your close contacts that they have been exposed.
- Keep sick household members away from others, in a separate room, if possible.
- Avoid sharing personal items.
Anyone at high risk for complications should talk to their healthcare provider for more information.
Symptoms
Monitor Your Symptoms. Common symptoms are:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- New loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Emergency Warning Signs Include:
- Trouble breathing
- Pain or pressure in the chest that doesn’t go away
- Experience confusion or trouble waking up
- Bluish lips or face
Call for medical attention immediately.
*This list is not a complete list. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.