Kentwood High School and Covington Elementary will be closed again Tuesday because of coronavirus concerns, the Kent School District posted on its website Monday evening.
The district also closed the two schools on Monday.
Here is the message Superintendent Calvin Watts posted on Monday:
Dear Kent School District Community:
Kentwood High School and Covington Elementary School will be closed on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, as we complete the thorough cleaning and disinfecting of both schools in alignment with the Center for Disease Control standards.
The safety of our students and staff is our first priority. We are adhering to our standard cleaning practices that include hospital-grade disinfectant cleaner in all KSD schools and facilities. Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces will continue throughout our schools and on our buses per the standard procedures for infection prevention.
We cannot stress enough the importance of your staying home when sick, washing hands frequently, avoiding touching one’s face, and taking other preventative steps outlined by the Washington State Department of Health on their School Nurse and Administrator Resources and Recommendations webpage.
During this time of heightened anxiety, our community values may be tested. We need to continue to demonstrate compassion and care as we navigate this global health situation. Please visit the Washington State Department of Health website for the most accurate and up to date information.
We will continue to monitor the situation and update you as we have more information. If you have any questions, please e-mail communications@kent.k12.wa.us.
Kentwood is in Covington but many of its students live in Kent.
Watts prior to the Monday closure said:
“Out of an abundance of caution, Kentwood HS and Covington Elementary are closed on Monday, March 2. We have mobilized our custodial staff to begin thoroughly cleaning & disinfecting both schools.The safety of our students and staff is our first priority.”
Furthermore, Watts explained that a parent of two Kentwood students was “experiencing flu-like symptoms” and is waiting to be tested for the virus. The family is self-quarantined at home, Watts said, and has been in contact with Public Health officials and are awaiting the test results.
Also, another member of the same family who works at Covington Elementary was not showing any flu-like symptoms but did work all of last week, Watts said.
School district officials will continue to monitor the situation and update the public with new information.
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