Stockton, Lincoln, Lodi and Manteca districts among districts to follow county’s recommendation

After careful consideration and consultation with San Joaquin County Public Health Services, the San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools and school districts in San Joaquin County have made the decision to temporarily close schools, effective Monday, March 16, in response to the novel coronavirus.

Superintendent James Mousalimas issued the following statement:

"News of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its spread across the country and the region has been a cause of great concern. In San Joaquin County, the concern continued to grow this week with the confirmation of six cases of COVID-19, which show evidence of community transmission of the virus in our county. After long and careful deliberation, it is my recommendation that all schools in San Joaquin County close temporarily for three weeks, effective Monday, March 16.

"Schools are an essential service and crucial to our communities. The decision to recommend school closure was not taken lightly. While children have not been shown to be a high-risk group for the virus, the temporary closure of schools may help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in San Joaquin County and help protect our most vulnerable populations."

Mousalimas consulted with superintendents from San Joaquin County's 14 school districts and San Joaquin County Public Health Services before making this recommendation. Each district has the authority to make a decision about closing that is best for their students and families in their district.

As of Friday afternoon, Stockton, Lodi, Lincoln and Manteca school districts had confirmed temporary suspensions of classes.

It is anticipated that schools will reopen on April 6.

Updates will be posted on https://sjcoe.org/healthsafety/.

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