The Healdsburg School Closes Over Possible Coronavirus Exposure

HEALDSBURG, CA — The Healdsburg School, a K-8 independent school with around 200 students in Healdsburg, is scheduled to be open Tuesday following its closure Monday because of concerns over possible exposure to the new coronavirus, according to multiple news reports.

The school, which is not part of the Healdsburg Unified School District, decided to call off classes Monday because "an adult member of the community was exposed to a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus."

School administrators were reportedly working Monday to contact the proper authorities to take the next steps necessary.

There has been one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Sonoma County involving a patient who was infected with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship and was evacuated along with other passengers to Travis Air Force Base in Solano County.

Sonoma County health officials announced a second possible COVID-19 case Monday, this time involving a Sonoma County resident who traveled on a cruise from San Francisco to Mexico that was unrelated to the Diamond Princess cruise in Japan. County officials said Monday this second case was "presumptive positive," meaning they were awaiting confirmatory results of a second test by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Our students may be at home today, but the learning continues," administrators with The Healdsburg School said in a Facebook post. "Our teachers are in action collaborating in online learning opportunities to keep our inquiring minds engaged. Our administration team is proactively coordinating with public health professionals. Our deepest gratitude for your support."

Andy Davies, head of school for The Healdsburg School, said school administrators spoke with the Sonoma County Public Health Monday afternoon.

"Based on their protocols and recommendations we are pleased to announce that school will be open tomorrow," Davies said. "We take school closures seriously and made this decision with an abundance of caution."

Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Celeste Philip said the school is doing an entire environmental cleaning before opening Tuesday.

Jennie Snyder, Sonoma County Office of Education deputy superintendent, said The Healdsburg School is a private school and is not among the county's school districts. Snyder said she doesn't know The Healdsburg School's specific protocols, and all schools in the county remain open.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.