Orange Coronavirus: Amity Regional Schools Closed

WOODBRIDGE, CT — All Bethany, Orange, Woodbridge, and Amity schools will be closed until further notice due to efforts to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Amity Regional School District officials announced on Thursday.

The district based its decision in part from the recommendation of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District and the Orange Department of Health.

"At this time, we anticipate schools will be closed until further notice," officials said in a statement on the district's website. "As this situation is evolving, we ask that you continue to check district websites for information and we will continue to use our communication systems to keep families and staff informed."

As of Thursday, state health officials said Connecticut has six confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 95 people have been tested, 89 of whom have tested negative.

Below is the district's announcement:

Dear BOWA Families and Staff:

This afternoon, the Quinnipiack Valley Health District (QVHD) and the Orange Department of Health made the recommendation that all Bethany, Orange, Woodbridge, and Amity schools should be closed.

This step is being taken as a precautionary measure to limit community transmission of Novel
Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The closure is effective immediately and will begin Friday, March 13, 2020.

At this time, we anticipate schools will be closed until further notice. As this situation is evolving, we ask that you continue to check district websites for information and we will continue to use our
communication systems to keep families and staff informed.

During the school closure, resources for supplemental learning may be available. Further information about supplemental learning activities will come from each individual BOWA school district and/or your children’s teachers.

Please remember that the purpose of the school closures is to limit community transmission through contact and by gathering large groups of individuals together. You can support our community by keeping your children home during the closure. During the closure, school buildings will remain staffed but not open to the public. Our districts will continue to follow guidance, recommendations, and directives from the health departments and the state Department of Education.