New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“Dear New Bedford Public Schools Community,
As referenced in several previous communications, the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve. We are following all recommended measures and remain in close collaboration with local agencies including Southcoast Health (St. Luke’s Hospital), the City of New Bedford Health Department and City agencies. We are following guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Boston Public Health Commission. I encourage you to visit their websites in addition to the CDC’s website, for more information.
As this situation continues to develop, in consultation with the office of Mayor Jon Mitchell, the School Committee, and the City Health Department, New Bedford Public Schools will implement the following directives, effective Friday, March 13, 2020.
Athletics:
• We will use guidance from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), the governing body for high school sports, regarding athletic contests
Events – Large Gatherings:
• We are presently monitoring all future school events with large crowd gatherings and will decide on future postponements and/or cancellations on a case by case basis
• We will monitor all events and continue to work with key agencies on all decisions to cancel and/or postpone events based on updated information through April 30, 2020
Out-of-State travel/field trips:
• We are canceling all planned out-of-state travel through April 30, 2020. This includes:
• Student field trips
• Staff professional development / conferences
• We will revisit ALL previously approved out-of-state travel scheduled to occur after April 30, 2020, to make informed decisions for the remainder of the school year
In-State field trips/travel:
• We will limit in-state field trips to the Greater New Bedford area
• As always parents should use their discretion to allow their child to participate
Health Reminders:
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose
• Stay home from work or school if you feel sick
We have added links on our District homepage to provide everyone with access to health-related communications and other helpful information concerning coronavirus.
Facilities teams throughout our schools are following a comprehensive deep cleaning protocol focused on performing a targeted environmental cleaning regimen, which is documented by checklist and signed by custodians doing the work. All schools are being cleaned 100% and this work continues on weekends. The deep cleaning protocol includes use of electrostatic handheld sprayers to disinfect large areas. Special attention is being paid to all common surfaces including cafeteria tables/chairs, all classroom furniture, coat hooks, copy machines, desks, chairs, door hardware, door surfaces (interior/exterior), computers (keyboard/mouse/peripherals), light switches, lockers, serving stations, sinks/faucets, stair railings, telephones, and water fountains.
I would like to remind you that the most effective precautions against the spread of germs are thorough and frequent handwashing, covering coughs/sneezes, and avoiding touching your face. If children or family members have a fever and symptoms of a respiratory illness, please keep them home and contact your doctor. This applies to staff as well.
Please monitor these websites:
www.newbedfordschools.org/coronavirus
http://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/emergencyplan/covid19.html
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
Please be assured that the health and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority. I remain particularly grateful for the strength and togetherness of this community.
Sincerely,
Thomas Anderson”
