County Orders Three-Week School Shutdown Amid COVID-19 Concerns

REDWOOD CITY, CA — San Mateo County has issued an ordering a three-week closure of all public and private schools.

San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow’s School Operations Modification Order goes into effect on Monday, March 16.

The county is encouraging schools to implement at-home learning models if possible.

Administrative functions at school sites will be allowed to continue under the order. School facilities may be used by faculty and staff to manage at-home learning, including technology support for students and staff.

School districts that provide free and reduced meals to students will be allowed to continue to do so.

“Schools have anticipated and been preparing for this order for weeks,” San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools Nancy Magee said in a statement.

“Moving an entire system to at-home or distance learning is highly complex and weighty. Our districts and schools are ready for this transition, and I applaud every member of our educational community for demonstrating incredible focus, strength, and courage in this challenging time. It is certainly the time to come together in support of our young people.”

Parents and students who need access to school facilities to retrieve essential items, including medications kept by a school nurse or health aide, should contact their school district or their school.