Coronavirus: Petitioners Want Schools Closed; DUSD Says It's Safe

DUBLIN, CA — As the new coronavirus slowly spreads in California, some 1,300 petitioners have called on the Dublin Unified School District to close its doors to prevent an outbreak. The district maintains it's safe to go to school and DUSD officials are in touch with the Alameda County Public Health Department on a daily basis.

The county has not called for school closures, or the cancellations of field trips and other activities, he said.

School nurses are constantly communicating, cleaning crews are stepping up their game and the district is frequently speaking with teachers to stay in communication and follow best practices to reduce the risk of illness spreading, said district spokesperson Chip Dehnert in an email.

Coronavirus is top of mind for district officials, Dehnert wrote.

On Wednesday the district sent home a letter acknowledging concerns in the community and reaffirming its commitment to keeping schools safe. Per the district, this week schools are: posting in all bathrooms hand-washing posters with information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; having students and staff watch videos about hand-washing, coughing and sneezing etiquette; and encouraging students to wave instead of shaking hands, high-fiving and bumping elbows or fists.

Schools, events and extracurricular activities have not yet been canceled, but DUSD said it will start making cancellations if more worrisome information comes from county public health officials.

"We want to assure you that we do hear your questions and will be updating our frequently asked questions (FAQs) on an ongoing basis to address your concerns," the district wrote.

Read those FAQs here.

District officials planned to meet Thursday to discuss the situation, next steps and emergency procedures

Check back for updates.