Classes will continue on as scheduled for USD 253 Emporia Schools beginning next week, however, adjustments elsewhere continue to pour in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
USD 253 announced through a press release announced that as of Thursday afternoon they are planning to resume classes on Monday once staff and students return from spring break. The district activated its emergency operations plan Wednesday after the World Health Organization officially declared coronavirus a worldwide pandemic.
Representatives of the district recently attended a meeting in Emporia which also included representatives from Lyon County Health Department and the Kansas State Department of Education Thursday. According to the news release from the district, administrators are continuing to cooperate and follow guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as well as the Centers for Disease Control.
At this time the main focus for the district is on planning and coordination to ensure all employees know their responsibilities and roles in the event of an outbreak within the district. Community Relations Director Lyndel Landgren says there is a lot of information for different regions of the country, so the district is trying to find the most pertinent information for this area.
The district adds, they are currently assessing the impact and implications of a USD 253 short or mid-term closure. The district says it is discussing several questions as it moves forward, including best avenues to provide educational services or food services and a closure’s impact on families when it comes to child care; students when it comes to mandatory attendance or credits; and school-related activities.
“Medically fragile” students and staff or those with compromised immune systems are urged to see their doctors about whether going back to school week is advised. Students and staff that have traveled outside Kansas are told to call Public Health at 342-4864 before returning so health officials can conduct medical screenings. Families are also encouraged to develop or review plans for child care if needed.
The next step for the district as of now will be a meeting Monday morning at 10:15 with all building principals.
Separately, Public Health and Lyon County Emergency Management are commending organizers of large events for postponing or canceling those activities this week, with several adjustments being announced Thursday. Spokesman Verlin Conkle says social distancing can slow a disease outbreak across a community, which gives medical facilities a better chance to handle the demand if it increases.
As Public Health monitors the COVID-19 situation, it continues encouraging the cancellation or postponement of events that “would promote large gatherings of people for extended periods of time.”
At the national level, the NCAA has decided to cancel all national championship tournaments in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus. This includes the men’s and women’s DI tournaments which were scheduled to begin next week and the DII tournaments which were scheduled to begin this week. This also means the DII Central Regional Tournament in Warrensburg, Mo, that included the Emporia State Lady Hornets has now been canceled after announcing a suspension in ticket sales Wednesday. Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer and the National Hockey League also suspended games in separate announcements Thursday.
We’ll keep you updated on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media.
