ANSONIA — UPDATE: ON MARCH 15, GOV. LAMONT ISSUED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER: The order directs classes at public schools throughout the entire state to be canceled effective Tuesday, March 17 and lasting through at least March 31.
In part of what is now a nationwide effort to slow the transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Ansonia Public Schools announced Friday schools will be closed through Friday, March 27.
Schools were closed Friday, but teachers were in buildings preparing “learning packets” for students to take home, according to a district-wide communication from Joseph DiBacco, superintendent of schools.
School buildings will be open Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 for parents to pick up the packets, in addition to any personal items and medication belonging to their children.
Many Ansonia school children rely on the school district for two healthy meals a day. “Grab and go” meal packets will be available for parents to take home to their kids. The meal pickup is available Monday and Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The district’s April break is up in the air, depending on how long schools are closed, according to DiBacco’s letter.
“The days that we are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be added to our school year as make-up days,” the superintendent noted.
The decision to close schools has been called a last resort by state education officials. It is a community mitigation measure that has been supported by scientists and the medical field as a way to slow down waves of people that may need medical treatment as the number of people infected with COVID-19 grows. The idea is to prevent the healthcare system from collapsing while, at the same time, protect the people who are most threatened by the virus: the elderly and people with existing medical conditions.
While state health officials have noted about 80 percent of the people who contracted COVID-19 in China did not need to be admitted to a hospital, Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration has continually stressed the need for community mitigation measures. President Trump declared a national emergency Friday afternoon.
“These are unprecedented times for the state and our Ansonia community,” DiBacco said in his letter. “The information that has been shared is concerning and very real. I truly thank you for your understanding and patience during this difficult time.”
The superintendent’s letter is below and is also posted on the school district’s website.
Derby schools are closed until March 30.
Seymour schools are closed from Monday, March 16 until March 30.
Shelton schools are closed until further notice.
COVID 19 Letter March 13 2020 by The Valley Indy on Scribd
