TOWN OF RED HOOK
7340 SOUTH BROADWAY, RED HOOK, NY 12571
Tel (845)758-4600 • Fax (845)758-5313 • www.redhook.org
Press Release
March 14, 2020
From: Town Supervisor Robert McKeon
Town of Red Hook
Town of Red Hook confirms that a Bard College employee has tested positive for COVID-19
Supervisor urges residents to limit in person interactions and continue taking extraordinary measures to slow down the spreading of the virus.
In consultation with the College, the County Executive and Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health, I am confirming today that
Bard College is reporting the first confirmed case of COVID-19, an employee who is isolating at home. While this may be the first confirmed case within our Township,
many in the healthcare and scientific fields are suggesting that localities throughout our state assume community spread has already begun. Let’s work together
to limit the impact to our friends, families and neighbors.
Communication from the College as follows:
To the Bard College Community,
A Bard College employee has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the first confirmed case at Bard.
In line with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the employee is self-isolating at home. We wish them a speedy recovery.
The Dutchess County Health Department, in coordination with the College, is reaching out directly to anyone who may have had direct contact with the employee. Those individuals are being asked to self-isolate and maintain contact with the health department.
It is most important that we prioritize best public health practices and guidance from county, state, and national health agencies. Dutchess County has declared a State of Emergency for at least the next two weeks, which includes suspending all social gatherings and closing K-12 public and private schools. The primary goal in this moment is to contain and manage the spread of the virus to allow our medical community to keep pace with members of the community who are especially affected.
More travel restrictions and closings are likely as the situation evolves. Please continue to monitor your email and the College’s COVID-19 webpage for further updates. Please also refer to the Dutchess County Health Department website for local and regional guidance, and the CDC and WHO sites for the most current guidance on health protocols and travel.
See below for some specific updates.
Facilities
Public buildings on campus will be closed for cleaning and sanitizing. Included in this process will be: The Stevenson Gym, Olin Hall, Bertelsmann Campus Center, Reem-Kayden Center, and Bard Libraries. The CCS Museum is closed to the public and public programs at the Fisher Center have been postponed or cancelled for the next 30 days. We are discouraging members of the local community from visiting the campus as we undertake these precautionary measures. We will determine and announce reopening dates once the cleaning is complete.
Events
Public events have been postponed or cancelled. Given the county state of emergency, students remaining on campus must limit social gatherings to no more than 20 people. Campus tours and Open House for Accepted Students have been suspended. Alternatives for prospective students are under development. Please visit bard.edu/admission for updates or to contact an admission counselor
For more updates on Covid-19, the Town Calendar or any matters that related to your government, we encourage you to log onto www.redhook.org and click on Notify Me.