Chicago Schools CEO Says 'No Plans To Close Schools At This Time'

CHICAGO – Responding to social media rumors, Chicago schools chief Janice Jackson on Tuesday announced "there are no plans to close any schools at this time" due to the new coronavirus.

"Please understand this is a developing situation and we thank our families and communities for their patience," Jackson said at a news conference.

On Friday, CPS announced classes would be cancelled this week at Vaughn Occupational High School on Chicago's North Side, where district staffer works as a special education classroom assistant in the 212-student school was diagnosed with the new coronavirus.

On Tuesday, Jackson said, "Another round of students have been tested. All of them have come back negative."

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Vaughn High is set to remain closed until March 18.

"While this remains an isolated incident we're preparing for various scenarios," Jackson said.

Additional information about CPS's response to the new coronavirus is available here.

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