Coronavirus: Walnut Creek Schools Postpone Events

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Schools in the Walnut Creek School District will remain open as the community attempts to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, but all nonessential gatherings will be postponed for the next two weeks including field trips and school assemblies, Walnut Creek School District Superintendent Marie Morgan said in a message to the community.

The district has already emphasized to families the importance of students and staff members staying home when they feel sick, and they should remain at home until a fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

The district will excuse absences due to illness without a doctor’s note during the coronavirus pandemic so that the healthcare system is not overwhelmed.

On Tuesday, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors declared a state of emergency in the county to deal with the potential spread of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. As of Tuesday, a total of 10 Contra Costa County residents have tested positive for the new coronavirus. No new cases were announced on Wednesday.

Public health officials are recommending that groups cancel large gatherings where 50 or more people are within arm's length of each other, including concerts, sporting events, celebrations, conventions, religious services and other church gatherings.

"CCHS is releasing updated health guidance to protect the community from novel coronavirus (COVID-19)," CCHS Spokesman Karl Fischer said Tuesday. "The updated guidance includes specific actions recommended for people at high risk of severe disease, community gatherings, businesses and employers, schools, public transit and the general public."

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— Patch editors Bea Karnes and Maggie Fusek contributed to this story

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