VA Coronavirus: Public Schools To Close Under Northam's Order

RICHMOND, VA — So far 30 cases of new coronavirus known as COVID-19 have been confirmed in Virginia, which is under a state of emergency. To help prevent the spread of the respiratory disease, Gov. Ralph Northam on Friday afternoon ordered all kindergarten through 12th-grade schools to close for at least two weeks starting March 16.

Schools will close from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, at a minimum, Northam said in a news release. Localities will maintain authority over specific staffing decisions to ensure students maintain continuity of services or learning, while protecting the public health of teachers and staff.

“We are taking this action to keep Virginians as safe and healthy as possible, and to minimize exposure to COVID-19,” Northam said. “I recognize this will pose a hardship on many families, but closing our schools for two weeks will not only give our staff time to clean and disinfect school facilities, it will help slow the spread of this virus. This is a fluid and fast-changing situation. We will do everything possible to ensure that students who rely on school nutrition programs continue to have access to meals, and that the disruption to academics is as minimal as possible.”

Get the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Virginia as they happen. Sign up for news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.

Virginia Department of Education officials are working with school divisions and the Department of Social Services to ensure students who qualify for free or reduced lunch programs are able to receive meals while schools are closed. The Department of Education will give superintendents across the Commonwealth specifics about the continuity of education, school nutrition, and updated public health guidelines.

Other changes across the state include a halt to prison visits for now, increased cleaning up public transportation trains and buses, and many state workers switching to tele-work.

Related:

Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What You Need To Know

Virginia State Of Emergency Declared: What Does That Mean?

“We recognize this decision places burdens on many of our parents and families, especially for those who rely on school nutrition programs for access to healthy food for their children,” said Secretary of Education Atif Qarni in a release. “However, we believe closing Virginia schools is in the Commonwealth’s best interest as we seek to stop the spread of COVID-19. Virginia will continue to explore and implement innovative approaches to provide meals to students who qualify for free and reduced lunch during this closure.”

School officials are also working to minimize disruptions to instructional time.

On Thursday, Northam declared a state of emergency for Virginia, which will provide increased flexibility to ease regulatory requirements and procurement rules, continue federal and multi-state coordination, and ensure continued access to critical services for the most vulnerable Virginians.

Northam also halted specially-scheduled state events and conferences for 30 days, and banned out-of-state travel for state employees, with allowances for individuals in border communities.

The 30 coronvirus cases include seven in James City County, six in Fairfax County and City, five in Arlington County, three in Loudoun County, two in Virginia Beach, two in Prince William County, one in Fredericksburg, one in Prince William County, one in Hanover County, one in Harrisonburg, and one in Alexandria. A presumptive positive result means a patient has been tested, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must confirm the result.

SEE ALSO:

• Anti-Price Gouging Act In Effect During VA State Of Emergency
• NoVa Police Aim To Protect Officers, Public From Coronavirus
• Coronavirus Response: DC Government Adjusts Operating Status
• Episcopal Diocese Cancels Services Due To Coronavirus Concerns
• DC Schools Changes Schedule In Response To Coronavirus

Ongoing State Response Efforts

Justice-Involved Populations

• The Department of Corrections has canceled offender visitation at all facilities until further notice. Off-site video visitation is still available.
• A dedicated COVID-19 public information line with an updated, recorded message is operational. The phone number is (804) 887-8484.
• DOC has implemented a screening protocol for offenders coming into state facilities from local jails.
• Virginia provided detailed guidance to correctional facilities and other work locations regarding approved hand washing, sanitizing, and disinfectant products, and instructions for the proper use of those products to provide protection from COVID-19.

State Workforce

• The Department of Human Resource Management has directed all state agencies to update their emergency operations and paid leave policies, and Virginia will begin implementing a phased transition to teleworking for state employees.
• Virginia is setting an example by activating paid Public Health Emergency Leave for state employees who have recently traveled to high-risk areas.
• All official travel outside of Virginia by state employees has been halted, with increased flexibility for inter-state commuters and essential personnel. State employees have been advised to limit in-person meetings and non-essential work-related gatherings. Specific guidance will be released to agency heads and state employees, and Virginia will revisit these guidelines after 30 days.

Vulnerable Populations

• The Department of Medical Assistance Services and the Department of Social Services are preparing options to ensure the most vulnerable populations have continued access to critical services, including the potential for in-home care and food support.
• In the event of extended school closures, the Department of Social Services is working with local partners, such as food pantries, to ensure no one goes hungry.

Transportation

• The Department of Rail and Public Transportation is coordinating with Metro, Amtrak, Virginia Rail Express, and transit agencies across Virginia to adjust cleaning schedules according to CDC protocol.
• Washington Dulles International Airport is one of 11 airports designated by the federal government to receive flights from China. The CDC is conducting screenings of passengers at Dulles who have been in China or Iran during the past 14 days.
• Virginia is also working with transportation partners to help reduce the potential spread of disease.