BETHLEHEM

VACCINATIONS FOR CHILDREN: The Bethlehem Health Bureau is partnering with the Bethlehem Area School District to hold COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5-11.

The Bethlehem Health Bureau is moving forward with the clinics after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine for children in the younger age group Nov 2. Children ages 5-11 will receive a one-third dose compared to the one given for individuals 12 and older.

Over the next several weeks, the Bethlehem Health Bureau will hold vaccine clinics tomorrow at Broughal MS; Nov. 16, at Northeast MS; Nov. 18, at East Hills MS; and Nov. 22, at Nitschmann MS.

The COVID-19 vaccine is completely free of charge and available to anyone who needs it. In addition to the opportunities listed above, children and adults can get the vaccine by consulting their healthcare providers.

This approval by the FDA marks a major milestone in our ability to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce the spread of the virus in our community,” said Mayor Bob Donchez. “Getting more of our eligible students vaccinated will reduce the number of potential cases in our local schools. It will also cut down on quarantines and reduce the likelihood that schools or classrooms will need to shift to virtual learning due to a high number of cases.”

Please visit www.basdschools.org to register for an appointment.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

COUNTY PRISON: The Director of Corrections reports that, as of Nov. 1, there are 11 cases of COVID-19 among inmates at Northampton County Prison (NCP). Since the start of the pandemic, 290 inmates have tested positive; 279 have finished their quarantine periods or are no longer at NCP. Currently, two Department of Corrections staff are in quarantine after testing positive for the virus.

Since March 2020, NCP has conducted 5,316 tests for COVID-19 on inmates. All new inmates are tested when they come into the facility and must show a negative result before they are transferred to General Population; residents are tested on a random basis. PrimeCare Medical does daily temperature checks, movement of inmates is restricted within the facility and meals are served in the housing unit. In-person visitation is prohibited and no volunteers are permitted in the facility. Cloth masks are provided and inmates must wear them whenever they leave their cell. Any inmate participating in work release or work programs within NCP must be vaccinated.

NCP has held 24 vaccination clinics this year and vaccinated 442 inmates. Currently, 309 inmates in the facility are fully vaccinated. Shots for inmates and staff are administered by PrimeCare Medical. The vaccinations are not compulsory and are only provided to those who request them.

There are currently 641 inmates in residence at NCP.