3/12/2020 UPDATE: A fifth case of COVID-19 coronavirus is confirmed in Ohio. Watch Gov. DeWine’s press conference here. All Ohio K-12 schools will take a three week spring break starting Monday, March 16 after the school day ends, DeWine said.
Click here to download the NBC4 News app for first alerts on all coronavirus in Ohio updates on your phone. Sign up for the NBC4 breaking news and daily newsletters.
— ORIGINAL —
COLUMBUS (WCMH) — With the news of cancelations and changes flying fast and furious amid the confirmation of four COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Ohio, many are wondering what is next for local schools.
Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday didn’t make any suggestions about local K-12 schools closing or changing to a different instructional model. He did, however, warn local districts to be prepared should they need to close.
Wednesday, DeWine said that should school closures happen, the state would work with districts to waive testing and other requirements.
So, who, exactly, makes the determination to close and what does it mean?
According to the Ohio Department of Education’s website, the state leaves the decision on whether or not to close up to the local districts.
“Individual school districts are empowered to work closely with their local departments of health to assess and understand the risk to their student populations and the community and make decisions accordingly,” the department posted on its website.
So far, only one school district — Athens City Schools — has shut down due to coronavirus concerns.
Columbus City Schools and Westerville City Schools announced restrictions on after-school activities Wednesday night.
It is also up to the local school districts on when to reopen, should they decide to close.
“Schools and districts should make all decisions in the best interest of the health and safety of students and the community,” the department wrote on its website.
For more information on how the Ohio Department of Education is addressing the spread of coronavirus, click here.