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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Updated March 17

This is the latest novel coronavirus update (COVID-19) update from the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE).

Please note that circumstances can change quickly, and this information is subject to change.

Over the weekend the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced new recommendations to slow the transmission of COVID-19. The new guidance includes:

  • Older Californians (65+) socially isolate in their homes.  

This announcement follows the Friday, March 13, recommendation from the San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools for schools to close temporarily.

As of the morning of Tuesday, March 17, there were nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 in San Joaquin County, according to San Joaquin County Public Health Services.

Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself, your family, and your community comes down to common sense: 

  • Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
  • Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Covering coughs or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Washing your hands afterward.
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
  • Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
  • Practicing social distancing.
  • Following guidance from public health officials.

CDPH describes social distancing as a practice recommended by public health officials to stop or slow down the spread of contagious diseases. It requires the creation of physical space between individuals who may spread certain infectious diseases. Achieving space between individuals of approximately six feet is advisable.

To find the latest federal, state, and local information, please refer to the following websites:

For the latest updates related to schools and the SJCOE, please refer to: https://sjcoe.org/healthsafety/.

Here is the March 13 announcement of the recommendation to close schools in San Joaquin County:

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.

It is anticipated that schools will reopen on April 6, 2020.  Updates will be posted on https://sjcoe.org/healthsafety/.

Posted: 3/17/2020