Hello Families,
We wanted to take the time to update you about BAAY’s response to the evolving COVID-19 situation in our state. Safety is our top priority and we are monitoring developments and recommendations on a daily basis by checking in with the Whatcom County Health Department and tracking what is going on with Bellingham Public Schools.
We have been following basic protocol for the spread of infectious diseases by increased disinfecting and by installing new hand sanitizer stations in the theatre, lobby and in the costume shop. Hand washing is one of the best defenses against the spread of illness and we encourage frequent trips to the sink. We would like to remind our students to keep up practices of good hygiene and to not share water bottles or snacks.
We also urge you to follow the widely publicized recommendations about keeping sick individuals home and erring on the side of caution. The current information indicates that children experience milder symptoms than adults if they contract the COVID-19 virus, which is fortunate, but these children could pass it on to adults and the elderly or immune-compromised individuals who are at greater risk. So, please keep sick children home, paying particular attention to the typically described COVID-19 symptoms of “cough, fever, or other respiratory symptoms.”
If the need should arise for BAAY to close, following the lead of BPS, we will explore options for continuing our theatre programs via Skype or Google chat. This has been an effective strategy for instructors at WWU and would allow us to keep our rehearsals on schedule.
Thank you for your assistance in keeping BAAY a healthy and happy place for our children to grow and learn. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Ian Bivins
BAAY Executive Director