(STOCKTON) Today, the San Joaquin County Department of Public Health Services distributed a letter to school districts countywide reminding them of the guidelines set in the current local emergency declaration and requiring them to remain closed until further notice to protect and preserve public health from the spread of COVID-19.
“We recently became aware of an expressed desire and plan by some school districts within San Joaquin County to reopen their schools and return to normal operations as soon as April 6, 2020,” said Dr. Maggie Park, San Joaquin County’s Public Health Officer. “While I appreciate the desire to return to normalcy, we remain committed to San Joaquin County’s most recent local emergency Order issued March 26, 2020, for all educational institutions in the County to remain closed until the Order is modified or rescinded.”
Exceptions to the general prohibition of public gatherings have been made only for schools to provide materials for distance learning, distribution of meals and childcare for essential critical infrastructure workers. Exceptions have also been made for academies, training facilities and courses graduating students that comprise essential workforce for all identified critical sections.
“During this unprecedented public health emergency, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our children, our families, and our entire community,” said James Mousalimas, San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools. “I fully support the San Joaquin County Public Health Officer’s decision that all schools in San Joaquin County should remain closed. School closures will help prevent the transmission of COVID-19, which is essential to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and reducing the potential strain on our health care system. Educators across San Joaquin County.
Please download the following attachement for the complete press release.