Neuhaus, Gelman Host Facebook Live Event

GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman hosted a Facebook Live Q and A on Tuesday, September 3rd to answer questions about schools reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

County Executive Neuhaus and Dr. Gelman were joined by Orange-Ulster BOCES Chief Operating Officer William Hecht and Director of Operations Health and Safety Mark Coleman.

“This interactive event was a helpful way to provide residents with important information as students, staff and administration return to school,” Neuhaus said. “Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Gelman and I have been in touch with BOCES leadership and our school superintendents. We will continue to work with them to create a safe learning environment for our students during these unprecedented times. Working together, we will get through this crisis. I thank Dr. Gelman and BOCES leadership for participating in the event with us.”

With the anticipation of schools reopening in various educational platforms, the County’s Health Department released an informative Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide that is assisting the County’s 17 school district in addressing COVID-19 health safety parameters.
Dr. Gelman and her staff used questions they often received from concerned parents and collaborated with school superintendents to create guidance.

“When school districts and BOCES were forced to close their buildings back in March due to COVID-19, we looked forward to the day we could welcome back our students and staff,” Hecht said. “We have worked closely with the County Executive and Dr. Gelman and appreciate their support and guidance as our schools begin to reopen countywide. Our Facebook Live meeting on Thursday evening is another example of this collaboration.”
COVID-19 resources are available via the Health Department’s website, Facebook page, and the Department’s free mobile app. To view the Health’s Department’s FAQ, go to https://bit.ly/3aHVq3h.