Baldwin, Nassau County schools close for two weeks amid Coronavirus outbreak

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Baldwin schools, as well as all Nassau County schools, will be closed for two weeks as of Monday, by order of Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, as Coronavirus spreads throughout the area. 

Baldwin School District Superintendent Dr. Shari Camhi said in letters to the community that staff members are sanitizing the schools, especially frequently touched surfaces including doorknobs, lockers, computer equipment and high traffic areas, daily. 

Curran made the announcement Sunday morning as health and school officials look to contain the spread of the coronavirus, which has claimed the lives of two New Yorkers, both of whom had underlying health conditions, and infected more than 600 people statewide, as of press time Monday. 


Schools will be closed for students, but administrators and teachers may still enter buildings. 

Camhi said in letters to the community that soap and hand sanitizer are available throughout district buildings and that staff is working with the director of Athletics and Health to ensure the nurse’s offices are fully stocked with medical supplies and have procedures in place for any contagious illnesses to appear.

School officials also reminded students and staff to follow the prevention guidelines established by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which are:

— Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

— Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, using a sleeve or tissue. 

— Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

— Stay home when you are sick.

— If you exhibit flu-like symptoms, such as a fever and a cough, visit your private physician. 

— Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

— Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

School officials have been updating an information section on the school district website specifically about the Coronavirus as a resource for parents and staff members, and remains in close communication with the Department of Health. 

“Please be assured that we are prepared for whatever comes our way,” Camhi said in one of the messages. “We are being proactive and have contingency plans in place.” 

She asked that parents speak with their child(ren) about the Coronavirus using the following guidelines issued by the National Association of School Psychologists:

— Remain calm and reassuring.

— Make yourself available.

— Monitor television viewing and social media.

— Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible. 

— Be honest and accurate, because in the absence of factual information, children often imagine situations far worse than reality.

— Know the Coronavirus symptoms. 

— Review and model basic hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices for protection. 

— Discuss new rules or practices at school.

— Communicate with your school. 

In an effort to limit exposure to staff members and students, the district has canceled, postponed or limited audiences to students only to school events. All field trips have been canceled through the April break. Business partners have already canceled competitions, shadow days and internships. Evening and weekend events are canceled through April 19 and parents can expect details from their students’ respective principals. 

Additionally, staff members will record and/or livestream the musical performances and concerts for families to view. More information will be provided by your principal or the fine and performing arts director. A complete list of events and more details is available at https://www.baldwinschools.org/coronavirus

Parent/teacher conferences will be conducted over the phone instead of in person. The teachers will call the parent(s) or guardian at the scheduled time. 

“We will continue to work with our Baldwin families to ensure that our students and their education will always remain the top priority,” Camhi said in one of the messages. “We appreciate your support and understanding as the situation changes. I am confident that together, we will make it through this challenging time as we always do.” 

The district has been working on a plan for distance or e-Learning for more than three weeks, officials said in a letter to the community, but there is no decision, as of press time Monday, that that would count towards school days. Typically, schools in New York must instruct students for at least 180 days in order to receive state funding. 

A decision as to whether the $158 million capital improvements bond vote will take place Wednesday will be made on Monday, Camhi said in a letter to the community. Check the district website for updates. 

According to a memo to Nassau County superintendents from Curran, school districts are allowed to: 

— Ask 12-month employees to report to their buildings.

— Provide professional development instruction to staff. 

— Provide distance learning if necessary.

Additionally, the Baldwin Public Library is closed through March 31 to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. Online services are still available. For more information, visit https://www.baldwinpl.org/from-home/

All Town of Hempstead Senior Centers, including the one in Baldwin, is closed and events are canceled. For more information about Town of Hempstead facility closures, visit https://hempsteadny.gov/press-releases/2360-hempstead-town-hall-closed-on-monday-other-closures-announced-out-of-abundance-of-caution