COVID-19 Position Statement
March 15, 2020
Many of you have heard Governor Sisolak’s press conference this afternoon closing all Nevada schools. After deliberate analysis, reviewing community concerns, consulting with local health authorities and the Nevada Superintendents on Sunday, March 15. As the Governor stated, Nye County schools will be closed for at least three weeks, through April 3, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If there is a continuation of closure after April 3rd, it will be communicated as decisions are made.
This is math, not prophecy. The spread can be slowed, public health professionals say if people practice “social distancing” by avoiding public spaces and generally limiting their movement, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). No other entity in Nye County is better able to flatten the curve and potentially impede the spread of COVID-19 in the county than the School District. By closing schools, we can affect change and are choosing to do so.
The decision to close schools encompasses more than just the safety and well-being of our students. This decision was based on current CDC information and recommendations, facts, data, and concern for the Nye County communities as a whole. Nye County’s elderly population, our most vulnerable, is 36.8% (ADSD.nv.gov). Over 75% of those live with or are caregivers for our school-aged children. I realize this decision may not be supported by all. Families may find their routines upended having to scramble to find childcare, provide food, and rearrange schedules. The District is putting together a plan to continue meal services during this period of time for students who currently receive District-provided breakfast and lunch. Information regarding continuation of meal services will be provided this week.
Although at this time there are no confirmed cases in Nye County, current trends in our country show coronavirus cases are inevitable. Continued precautionary measures will be taken at each site during closure to ensure that the health, safety, and well-being of our communities.
Directions for all Nye County School District employees will be forthcoming. At this time, only site-level administrators and 12-month employees report to your sites on Monday, March 16th. If you are not required to report to work at this time, it is imperative that you continue to check your District email for updates during your normal work hours.
Additional resources regarding COVID-19 can be found at:
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Talking with children about the coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronaviru... schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html
Tips for the home: CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ and click on the At Home link.
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Nye County webpage https://bit.ly/33c4b1T
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Southern Nevada Health District operates a phone line 9-5 Monday-Friday (702) 759-4636.
Additional resources regarding free online educational activities can be found at: https://www.nye.k12.nv.us/