Via CT Education Assocation: Governor Declares State of Emergency

Coronavirus Update

Please note that in the coronavirus email we sent out earlier today, we mistakenly identified Woodbridge as one of school districts that was closing, when in fact it is Woodbury in Region 14. We sincerely apologize for the error.The temporary school closures are at Wilcoxson Elementary School in Stratford, as well as all Woodbury and Bethlehem public schools (Region 14).

This afternoon, Governor Lamont declared civil preparedness and public health emergencies in Connecticut, in order for the state to take specific actions in response to the coronavirus. The declarations allow the governor to take broader measures to protect public health.Also announced today were temporary school closures in three Connecticut towns. Wilcoxson Elementary School in Stratford as well as all Woodbury and Bethlehem public schools (Region 14) will close for the remainder of the week, out of an abundance of caution. Those schools will be closed for deep cleaning, and Region 14 noted that missed school days will be made up in June.CEA has been working closely with the State Department of Education and other education stakeholders on protocols for other possible school closures in response to coronavirus. We are also taking steps to help prevent the spread of the virus and keep our members and staff safe. Mitigation efforts will involve all of us, and we are urging all local union leaders to have conversations with their administration regarding options should schools be closed. Effective today, Tuesday, March 10, CEA has cancelled all in-state CEA-sponsored events for the month of March.

These events include the CEA Early Career Educators Conference, Permission to Feel book talks with Marc Brackett, and other CEA forums, conferences, and workshops that bring together large numbers of members from across the state. Depending on circumstances at the time, governance and local leadership may also decide to cancel county forums and presidents’ meetings. This is not an all-inclusive or final list, and events will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

While we all hope that the coronavirus turns out to have a mild effect overall, we must all be prepared for the potential of a serious outbreak that could shut down more schools, as well as CEA offices. We ask that you watch for further notices from CEA in your inbox and keep up-to-date by visiting cea.org, which has the links to the Connecticut Department of Public Health and guidelines for schools.

Connecticut Department of Public Health ►

Guidelines for Schools ►

Given how quickly the situation is changing throughout the country, we expect to have further updates and guidance to share. We will get through this challenging time by working together.