Long Beach Schools Shut For 2 Weeks Due To Coronavirus Flareup

LONG BEACH, NY — Schools in the City by the Sea will be closed for two weeks due to multiple cases of the coronavirus, the school district said.

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Gallagher made the announcement Wednesday afternoon. She said that the district received reports of more coronavirus cases, including in the transportation department, that "significantly affected our district's ability to operate." The Nassau County Health Department urged the 14-day closure.

All students, including special education, will be on remote learning for the next two weeks. Schools will reopen for in-person learning on Nov. 12, Gallagher said.

According to data from the state, last updated on Oct. 28, the district has had 7 students and 4 staff members test positive for the virus.

The district has been dealing with the cases in recent weeks, and has had brief closures in various schools. Earlier this week, Gallagher said she was told by the Health Department that it did not seem the cases originated in the schools, but rather outside of them.

"We need to behave like we did in March — super careful," she wrote to families. "The consequences of not being careful (a long term shutdown of schools and businesses) are too serious to risk."