SLO County Office of Education: Large school events canceled to prevent coronavirus spread
The San Luis Obispo County Department of Education says all schools within the county are canceling large gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The schools will also consider canceling all smaller “non-essential” gatherings such as field trips, shows, dances, assemblies and meetings on a case-by-case basis, according to a news release from the Department of Education on Thursday.
The announcement comes a day after California Gov. Gavin Newsom advised all gatherings of more than 250 people be canceled.
“All school districts within San Luis Obispo County continue to work together to monitor, communicate and prepare for COVID-19,” County Superintendent Jim Brescia said in the release. “We continue our work of educating all of our students to the greatest extent possible.”
It is unclear exactly which events will be canceled.
In a message to parents Thursday, Atascadero Unified School District clarified some of the events that are canceled are athletic and performing arts events with more than 250 expected people.
Arroyo Grande High School will cancel upcoming sporting events, the Spring Fling dance, freshman and parent orientation night, robotics, the FFA Reedley College Field Day and a speech and debate event, according to a Facebook post.
Brescia said local school districts, in conjunction with the Department of Education and the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department, are continuing to monitor the situation and follow the recommendations of the Health Department, federal Centers for Disease Control and California Governor’s Office.
Meanwhile, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District in Santa Barbara County has announced it will cancel all non-essential school events, activities, gatherings and travel through the end of March. this includes sports and extracurricular practices, according to a district news release.
Editor’s note: The headline for this story has been corrected to better reflect the type of events canceled.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 1:18 PM.
%20Cropped.jpg)