Dear School Community,
Although there are no known cases that are positive for COVID-19 in Mansfield, I am calling for a pro-active school closure – that is, closing the school district before there is a positive case. This has been shown to be one of the most powerful non-pharmaceutical interventions that we can deploy.
All schools will close from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27, 2020.
I will continually assess the situation and notify you of any changes.
Some of these days will be made up in June. We understand that students, families, and employees will have many questions in regards to this announcement. We will be working over the next 72 hours to communicate and answer many of the questions and concerns you have. Please look for these newsletters and employees continue to check your email for additional communication.
My decision was made based on guidance from our Mansfield Public Health officials. This is a public health safety strategy to prevent and mitigate community illness and I hope to resume normal activities as soon as possible.
These are unprecedented times and I cannot emphasize enough that this is a clinical decision and that my immediate concern is the health and safety of our students, staff and community.
If you have been notified by the Department of Public Health (DPH) to self-quarantine, or if you are being tested for COVID-19, please follow your doctor’s directions and notify the school’s Director of Health Services Christine.dooling@mansfieldschools.com.
Thank you for your cooperation and support and as we provision for the health and well being of all.
Sincerely,
Teresa Murphy