Yosemite Unified, Chawanakee Unified closed through March 31

Yosemite Unified School District and Chawanakee Unified School District both are closed through March 31 because of the coronavirus threat.

Both districts said they’re following Madera County leaders’ advice and will reevaluate at the end of the month.

Yosemite High closed Friday after a staff member showed flu-like symptoms after visiting an area where coronavirus has spread.

The Yosemite staff member visited an area in the state where there is “some level” of COVID-19 spreading, a statement released by the high school Thursday said. The staff member has not been working at the school this week and is awaiting test results.

The decision to close the school was made out of an “abundance of caution,” according to the statement, and was recommended by the Madera County Department of Public Health.

“Public Health Officer, Dr. Stanley Paul, has reassured us that the risk of infection is very low,” school officials said.

There will be a deep cleaning of the high school while the school is closed, officials said.

Yosemite High School isn’t the first school to shut its doors as a response to the spread of coronavirus. On Thursday, Fresno State canceled all face-to-face classes beginning next week and said classes will be moved to online.

Shortly after, Fresno Pacific University announced its suspending classes from March 16 through March 21. Another announcement is expected on Friday that will detail how the university plans to hold classes after that, according to a new release.

Fresno Unified Schools will restrict sports and other student activities but will continue holding classes on campus, officials announced Thursday at a news conference. Clovis and Central school districts made similar announcements, saying sports were on hold, but classes continue.

If cancellations happen for FUSD schools parents will informed via messenger. Class and event cancellation updates will also be posted on the Fresno Unified website. Clovis and Central districts have also been updating their websites with the latest updates.

Most colleges have announced cancellations of events and classes. Community college districts are postponing large events throughout the month of March.

Lucy Ruiz, spokeswoman for the State Center Community District, said the district intends to hold a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. Friday in the district’s board room at 1525 Weldon Ave. in Fresno.

This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 8:29 PM.