NEW HAVEN, Conn. — City officials announced Thursday that New Haven Public Schools are closing indefinitely.
Officials say the decision was made due to the growing risk of exposure to coronavirus.
According to Mayor Justin Elicker says city officials understands the decision will have a significant economic impact on families.
"We understand that many NH families do not have the option to take off work for extended periods of time," he said. "We're asking business to please - please support your employees with flexible paid-family medical leave policies."
COO for New Haven Public Schools, Michael Pinto says the district is finalizing plans to provide meals while schools are closed.
The target start date is Monday, March 16. Families should expect formal notice with more information as it become available.
According to Pinto, NHPS still has to work out administrative and regulatory hurdles -- the meal program will require waivers from the state and federal government.
Providing meals would essentially be extending summer meals program, Pinto said.
The hope is to have 39 schools available with windows for people to come, pick up meals and take them to go.
Students would not be required to pick up meals from the school they are enrolled in -- they can go to the district school closest to their residence.
Superintendent Dr. Ilene Tracey says the district has been ahead of the game with preparations.
"Teachers will still be available to make sure that kids have access to Google Classroom to communicate with students." "Especially on the high school level, where some students are preparing for AP exams."
Teachers who have not prepared work for students to complete while schools are closed have been told to make plans to come into the buildings or work remotely to prepare those assignments, Superintendent Dr. Ilene Tracey said in a press conference.
Tracey says the district is looking for ways to best accommodate their students for prom, graduation and other upper-classmen events.
Mayor Elicker reminds residents that they are responsible for helping reduce the spread of COVID-10.
Protect yourself from coronavirus
Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
WHO: If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
