Coronavirus: Houston-Area School Districts Announce Closures

HOUSTON, TX — A number of Houston-area school districts including the state's largest — the Houston Independent School District — have announced school closings amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The Houston Independent School District is closing all schools and district office beginning Friday through March 31. All spring break camps and UIL events have been canceled.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there are 15 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, known as COVID-19, in the Houston-area. At least six of those cases are in Fort Bend County, eight are in Harris County and one case is in Montgomery County, which is a possible case of community spread.

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On Thursday, the Houston Health Department reported the city's third coronavirus case in a woman who was in direct contact with a patient in New York. The woman is between 15-25 and has mild symptoms.

Health officials said there was no evidence of local community spread in the city.

The patient attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 8 but didn't have symptoms at the time. The risk to attendees is low, health officials said. On Wednesday, the show was canceled.

An additional case in Harris County outside of the city of Houston was also announced on Thursday. The case is a man in his 40s who came in contact with an ill person while traveling, according to Harris County officials. He's been discharged and in isolation at home. One of the additional cases reported Thursday is not reflected in the state's count.

Other school district in the area that have suspended classes include:

• Fort Bend ISD is suspending classes for at least two weeks beginning Monday, March 16. The district said it would take the time to finalize online learning logistics and training for staff.
• Pasadena ISD will be closed March 16-20.
• Montgomery ISD is closed through Friday, March 13.
• Humble ISD is closed through Saturday, March 21 "All activities and events that were scheduled in Humble ISD from Thursday, March 12, through Saturday, March 21, are cancelled and our buildings are closed," the district said.
• Conroe ISD is closed March 16-20

In Harris County, officials released new community guidelines that are in effect until March 31.