Austin ISD Cancels Classes Amid Coronavirus Fears

AUSTIN, TX — Austin ISD canceled classes on Friday as a precaution against new coronavirus, officials said.

"In the interest of health safety in regard to our students and staff, AISD schools and offices will be closed Friday, March 13," officials wrote on Twitter. The closing was prompted by confirmation of the first two cases of new coronavirus confirmed in Travis County revealed early Friday.

The move comes one day after the school district banned large gatherings — field trips, spring break camps, student assemblies and events at rented-out school buildings. The move was taken to inhibit the potential spread of illness as a tactic of "social distancing" recommended by health officials.

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District officials said they would "...continue to closely monitor the situation and provide operational updates, as necessary."

The respiratory ailment virus now called COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that’s a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.

Related stories:

• Austin ISD Bans Large Gatherings Over Coronavirus Fears
• 2 Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In Austin

Austin ISD is the state's fifth-largest school districts, serving more than 80,000 students across 129 schools.