Watch: Fresno-area legislators and educators answer your questions about coronavirus

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic and what Fresno-area elected leaders and educators are doing in response was the focus of an online discussion by The Fresno Bee. Watch a recording of the discussion by clicking on the video below:

Viewers submitted questions as the event unfolded.

Taking part were Assemblyman Dr. Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno; state Sen. Andreas Borgeas, R-Fresno; Fresno State President Joseph Castro; Fresno City College President Carole Goldsmith; and Eimear O’Farrell, superintendent of the Clovis Unified School District.

The legislators kicked things off by summing up the statewide situation in combating the coronavirus.

The educators were asked about their plans for distance learning, now that it appears students will not return to campuses for the remainder of the current academic year.

“We know The Bee’s audience has many questions about the coronavirus and its impact on all aspects of our society, and this interactive event seeks to provide answers from these thoughtful leaders,” Joseph Kieta, The Bee’s editor, said. “This will be the first of what I hope will be many such live conversations in the coming days and weeks.”

This story was originally published April 1, 2020 at 2:00 PM.