Coronavirus concerns: Auburn won’t close schools for cleaning, but situation is fluid

District will continue to follow the advice and direction of the health department regarding any closures

Health authorities reported that as of Monday morning, the coronavirus had claimed its sixth victim in Washington state.

And that five of them were from the 14 confirmed cases in King County, another from Snohomish County.

But, as Auburn School District Superintendent Alan Spicciati informed parents via email, a posting on its Facebook page and on its own website Monday, the district has no plans at this time to close its schools for cleaning as numerous districts have done in response to the rapidly-evolving situation.

“District leaders are regularly meeting to address our COVID-19 (coronavirus) response,” Spicciati wrote. “We are in contact with Public Health- Seattle & King County and closely following recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health and the CDC. At this time, the health department is recommending against school closures for cleaning.” .

Vicki Alonzo, the ASD’s public information officer, said the district will continue to follow the advice and direction of the health department when it comes to any possible closures and will keep parents updated as needed via a regularly-updated website.

Spicciati noted that ASD custodial cleaning processes follow Department of Health recommendations and that the district encourages any staff member or student who is ill to stay home.

“Prevention is the best defense at this point,” Spicciati wrote, and offered the following safety tips and information:

• Promote and practice frequent hand washing with warm or cold water for about for about 20 seconds;
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth;
• Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue.