Northam closes schools statewide for two weeks in response to coronavirus

Stores are having trouble keeping supplies like toilet paper and hand sanitizer in stock, like this Giant in Mason District.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has ordered all public schools in Virginia to close for at least two weeks “in response to the continued spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.”

The governor’s March 13 announcement states, “localities will maintain authority over specific staffing decisions to ensure students maintain continuity of services or learning, while protecting the public health of teachers and staff.”

“Closing our schools for two weeks will not only give our staff time to clean and disinfect school facilities, it will help slow the spread of this virus,” Northam states. “We will do everything possible to ensure that students who rely on school nutrition programs continue to have access to meals, and that the disruption to academics is as minimal as possible.”

In a related development Fairfax County Public Schools, which previously announced schools will close on Monday, March 16, is providing free “emergency grab-and-go lunches” for students on Monday at five sites, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., including Bailey’s Elementary School.

Northam had declared a state of emergency on March 12, which will provide increased flexibility to ease regulatory requirements and procurement rules, continue federal and multistate coordination, and ensure continued access to critical services for the most vulnerable Virginians.

Among other actions announced by the governor May 13:

• State conferences are banned for 30 days.
• Out-of-state travel by state employees is banned for 30 days. 
• The Department of Corrections has canceled offender visitation at all juvenile-justice facilities until further notice.

So far, there are four cases of coronavirus in Fairfax County.

At a Fairfax County government news briefing March 12, Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, director of epidemiology and population health in the Fairfax County Health Department, gave an update on the two most recent cases of presumptive positive coronavirus cases.

Related story: Virginia governor declares state of emergency as coronavirus spreads

One case involves a resident of Fairfax County in his 60s who became ill with respiratory symptoms on March 2 and has been isolated at home since he became ill. He has had no contacts since then that require further investigation.

His spouse had been diagnosed in Boston earlier, traveled to North Carolina, became ill there and was diagnosed with COVID-19 there.

The other case is a Fairfax County resident in his 20s who was also in close contact with the presumptive case from North Carolina. He became ill on March 6 and is isolated at home. He had been in contact with people at home, his workplace, and one community location. He also had one healthcare visit and wore a face mask the entire time.

“In all these locations we have the names of people who were exposed so we are not releasing the specific locations to the public,” Schwartz said. No children were exposed in any of these locations.

The Health Department is working to identify people who came in close contact with these individuals and might be at risk. People determined at risk will be self-quarantined and closely monitored for fever and signs of respiratory infection, he said. If they experience these signs, they will immediately undergo testing.

Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, director of the Fairfax County Health Department, said all four of the cases in Fairfax County are associated with travel to affected areas or contact with people who traveled to affected areas.

“There are no signs of the virus spreading in the community, and the risk to the general public remains low,” Addo-Ayensu said.

Fairfax County is discouraging large public gatherings, especially those involving vulnerable populations, said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay.

While Fairfax County government buildings remain open, McKay encourages residents to carry out transactions with the county online. County workers will be given more flexibility for teleworking.

“When seeking information, look to trusted government sources,” such as county and state health departments and the CDC, he said. “There is a lot of misinformation out there.”

McKay also urged people to follow basic health guidelines: wash your hands frequently, cough and sneeze into your elbow, avoid touching your face, stay six feet away from others when possible, and stay at home if exhibiting symptoms.

For county updates on coronavirus via text, residents can text FFXcovid to 888777.