Coronavirus: Salem Public Schools To Close For 2 Weeks

SALEM, MA—Due to continued concerns over the coronavirus, Salem Public Schools will be closed for a minimum of two weeks effective Monday, school officials announced.

"We are working on the logistics of food services, device needs, and learning tools, as well as general information, and will continue to keep you informed," school officials said in a Facebook post to parents Friday.

According to school officials, they are standing by for further guidance from state health officials. Thursday night, Salem Public Schools and the school committee agreed to a two-week school closure starting Monday, March 16.

"Our decision has been informed by our local board of health, as well by expert epidemiologists who recognize that the time to act is now," school officials said to parents on Facebook. "We know we can have a greater and more positive impact on public health and safety if we follow this guidance."

School officials have also canceled upcoming events and activities through April vacation. Those are:

• Spring Music Concerts scheduled prior to April break
• Student Opportunity Act Forum
• Salem High School Mattress Sale
• Collins Middle School play “Once on This Island”
• Parent/Teacher Conferences
• Uses of buildings by outside partners
• All school field trips
• All in school events such as visiting authors

Decisions are pending for:

• Saltonstall 5/6 NYC trip
• Collins Middle School 8th grade NYC trip
• Salem High School Carnegie Hall trip

School officials said that there is the possibility that the two-week school closure period may be extended should they receive a state-mandated directive or find it necessary to make a local decision.

"We do this out of an abundance of caution, particularly out of sensitivity to families and staff who have underlying conditions that make them more vulnerable to complications of COVID-19," school officials said. "We also do not do this lightly, as we know that this will impose a hardship on families who do not have childcare options or families with other basic living needs in our school community."

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