Salem Coronavirus: School Trips, Staff Conference Travel Canceled

SALEM, MA—Salem Public Schools has canceled all staff travel for conferences and out of district meetings following concerns over the coronavirus.

All student field trips and student performances where there are large gatherings will also be postponed or canceled for the remainder of this week, school officials said.

"In light of the news from the governor Tuesday, we are taking additional steps to mitigate the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus to keep our school community safe," SuperintendentKathleen Smith said in a statement to staff and parents.

According to Smith, she's scheduled an emergency meeting with the school committee for Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m. to discuss recommendations and determine next steps to give the community further guidance for the weeks ahead.

Current Salem Public Schools cancellations and postponements include:

• CMS: Pi(e) Day
• Carlton: Field trip to Museum of Science
• District-Wide ELL Family Night
• Collins Middle School: Spring Concert
• Horace Mann: field trip to Harvard Museum
• Carlton: Literacy and Math Night
• New Liberty High School: field trip to the Haven Project
• Horace Mann: field trip to science museum
• Bentley Academy Board Meeting

Postponements (dates TBD unless posted):

SHS: Senior Show

SHS: Freshman Q2 Recognition Breakfast

As local and state public health experts monitor the outbreak, officials with Salem Public Schools and building custodians say they are also developing and implementing a set of operational upgrades and daily cleaning plans to maintain our high-standard on routine cleaning, with the addition of enhanced daily cleaning and disinfection of high-contact surfaces like doors, railings, tabletops, light switches, etc.

According to Gov. Charlie Baker, at last check, there were 92 cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts — 91 of them presumptive positive tests — and the number was expected to increase as more testing is done.

SEE ALSO:

• MA Coronavirus: More Than 1,000 Have Been Subject To Quarantine

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