Coronavirus: Port Washington Schools Closed Through Monday

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Port Washington Union Free School District schools will remain closed on Friday and Monday due to concerns over the spreading coronavirus, according to a letter from Superintendent Michael J. Hynes.

"This will give us time to assess more closely what our options are moving forward and to have further discussions with educators and health experts around Long Island," Hynes said in the letter, adding that teachers are working on remote lesson plans in the event of an extended closure.

For families whose kids are in the district's food programs, the district has made arrangements to keep meals available. The high school lobby and the parking lot at Our Lady of Fatima will have food service for kids, no ID required. They will be open between 7 and 10 a.m. Soy-free and gluten-free meals will be available.

Crews will continue comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing of school facilities and are putting out recommendations for best practices to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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Hynes said social distancing, for example, is "making every possible effort to minimize your contact with other individuals. For example, if you can work from home, do it. If you must be in an office setting, try to maximize the distance between you and any of your co-workers. If you can avoid using public transportation (subways, buses, railroad), do it. Do not travel unless it is absolutely necessary."

Also, Hynes said, remain at home whenever possible. This includes kids. If you have to work, Hynes said, it's recommended to leave the kids at home, as it can be risky to let them interact with groups of kids.

"We appreciate that the current situation demands changes in how we go about our daily lives. It does call for what many might feel are drastic changes to our daily habits. However, we are in a situation where circumstances are changing rapidly, and we do believe it is best to err on the side of extra precaution," Hynes said.

"We know that the Port Washington community has always come together in spirit and in action when faced with a challenge," Hynes added. "We have every confidence that this will be the response we see now – that together and in support of each other, Port Washington will come through this stronger, better and more united as a community."