2 Puyallup Schools Closed For Cleaning Monday Will Reopen Tuesday

PUYALLUP, WA — The Puyallup School District closed Ferrucci Junior High and Wildwood Elementary Monday morning after some family members showed "flu-like symptoms," officials said. According to the district, students who were already on buses heading to the schools were rerouted to Karshner Center to meet their families.

The district said worked in conjunction with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health District and thoroughly clean both campuses Monday, out of an abundance of caution.

"Earlier this morning the district received a call from one of our families reporting a relative had been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19. With the concerns in the media regarding COVID-19 and the communication from the family member of the students, the district canceled school at Wildwood Elementary and Ferrucci Junior High. This decision was made from an abundance of caution prior to getting ahold of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD). Tomorrow, March 3, 2020, Wildwood Elementary and Ferrucci Junior High will be open and on regular schedule."

The Puyallup closure was the latest in a string of school cancellations in the area as concerns build over the local spread of COVID-19, the coronavirus from China.

In Renton, Hazen High School was closed after a parent and student became ill. According to officials in King County, public health agencies are not recommending the school closures or the cancellation of recreational activities. The districts have said each closure was done out of an "abundance of caution."

At least 18 cases of the virus have been confirmed in Washington state, and six deaths connected to the illness were reported in King County by Monday morning. No COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Pierce County.

• Do not go to an emergency room unless absolutely essential. Those with symptoms including a cough, fever, or other respiratory issues are advised to contact their regular doctor first.
• If you're sick, stay home.
• Commit to excellent personal hygiene, including regular handwashing, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Monitor the latest information on COVID-19 in Washington and across the United States:

• Public Health Seattle-King County
• Snohomish County Health District
• Washington State Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention