During our spring break, which we hope has been enjoyable, there has been prominent information flowing from various news outlets and government agencies regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). While there has been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus at Bethel Christian Schools, Church, College, or the City of Riverside, the administrative staff continues to monitor the developments from the federal, state, and local governments.
Bethel’s leadership staff has reached out to the Riverside County Public Health Department and no recommendations have been made to discontinue onsite classes. As our spring break concludes, we will continue to have regularly scheduled classes beginning Monday, March 16th. We do understand this situation is constantly changing which is why we will continue to monitor the developments and stay in close contact with Public Health officials.
At this time, Bethel Christian Schools asks our parents to stay vigilant and practice good hygiene methods with your children. This is good practice regardless of the situation. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the coronavirus is a respiratory illness that is spread through human-to-human contact and transmission similar to the flu. This may include coughing, sneezing, close contact, and sharing food and drinks. While the details of the coronavirus is not fully known, the CDC states that older people and people with chronic diseases are at a greater risk of getting very sick from this virus. If your child does have a chronic health condition, please refer to their primary doctor. Additionally, the likelihood of people contracting the this virus or getting seriously sick remains low.
Preventative Measures found on the CDC Website:
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Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
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Stay home if you’re sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
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Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
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Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
These are practices and measures that we will be regularly reviewing with all our faculty, staff, teachers, and students when school resumes on Monday. In addition, any of our staff, faculty, or teacher that has a higher chance of being exposed to the coronavirus, for example traveling to another country and/or community where contracting the virus is higher, may be subjected to a 14 day quarantine period and be required to show a release letter from their health professional.
We are committed to providing a safe learning environment for all our students, staff, and faculty. Again, we will continue to monitor any new developments and take necessary and warranted precautions if needed. In the meantime, join with us in prayer thanking our Father in heaven that that our school and community is protected and that we live in good health. As it says in Psalm 27:1 (NLT) The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
Bethel Christian Schools