AUBURN, CA March 13, 2020 – Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica, school district superintendents and charter school operators have decided in concurrence with Placer County Public Health to close all public schools and state preschools in Placer County for the next three weeks* in order to protect the health and safety of students and school communities.

Schools will be contacting families promptly about vital services and resources available to them throughout the closure including distance learning options and meals.

“Decisions like this are difficult to make, but we are taking this action based on what is known at this time about the transmission and severity of the illness to best protect our school communities,” said Superintendent Garbolino-Mojica. “The most effective way to slow the transmission of this virus is to implement social distancing practices. We won’t take chances when it comes to the health and safety of our students.”

During the time of the school closure, students and families should follow the Department of Public Health’s recommendations for social distancing at events and gatherings, and to minimize social contact to the extent possible. Protecting public health requires a community-wide response, and we will need the help of families to help remain united in our response. While children have not been shown to be a high-risk group for serious illness from COVID-19, they are still able to transmit the virus to populations who are most vulnerable to serious illness, such as older adults and those with compromised immune systems. Be mindful in childcare decisions to avoid exposing vulnerable persons, such as grandparents, to children. Do not gather in other locations such as shopping malls, movie theaters or community centers even while school is closed. Remember to continue efforts to reduce the spread of germs by washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover your cough or sneeze, stay home if you are sick and continue to disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

“As our county navigates this difficult time, we must continue to lean on the strength of each other,” continued Superintendent Garbolino-Mojica. “Please be patient and be kind to one another. The safety and wellness of our students and staff are a priority, and we thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us to maintain a healthy and safe learning environment.”

For general questions about COVID-19 and precautions currently recommended by Placer County Public Health, residents may call the county’s coronavirus information line at (530) 886-5310. Current information about the coronavirus is available at www.placer.ca.gov/coronavirus and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

*Please note, given various spring break schedules, families should refer to their school district for specific dates of school closures.