For immediate release

Schools to Close through at Least March 27

As superintendents of schools await further guidance from state and federal public health officials, a group of superintendents in Middlesex County have collaborated to make a timely and unified decision about school closure.

The following districts have agreed to a two-week school closure:

Arlington

Bedford

Belmont

Burlington

Lexington

Winchester

The following is a statement from the superintendents in the six districts:

“As we await further guidance from State health officials, area superintendents have collaborated to make a timely and unified decision about school closure. The following districts have agreed to a two-week school closure starting tomorrow: Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Burlington, Lexington, and Winchester, while other districts in our area are working out the details.

“Our decision has been informed by our local boards of health, as well by expert epidemiologists who recognize that the time to act is now. We know we can have a greater and more positive impact on public health and safety if we do this together.

“Many in our area have been particularly impacted due to our families who have a greater number of presumptive positive cases in the area. Please be aware that this school closure period of time may be extended or shortened should State authorities so direct. We realize the decisions we are making in our geographic region do not necessarily reflect the needs and decisions of our counterparts in other areas of the State.

“We do this out of an abundance of caution, particularly out of sensitivity to families and staff who have underlying conditions that make them more vulnerable to complications should they become infected. We also do not do this lightly, as we know that this will impose a hardship on families who do not have childcare options.”

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