2 Puyallup schools closed for cleaning Monday over coronavirus concerns
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Two Puyallup schools were closed for cleaning Monday because a student’s relative was exposed to somebody diagnosed with COVID-19.
Ferrucci Junior High and Wildwood Park Elementary School shut down for the day “in order to thoroughly clean them,” according to the Puyallup School District.
Ferrucci students who already boarded buses were to be taken to Karshner Center, 309 4th St. NE, for pickup by parents.
The schools join at least nine others statewide that closed for deep cleanings over coronavirus concerns.
In Washington, six patients have died of coronavirus and health officials confirmed another nine cases.
Other schools closed Monday include Kentwood High School and Covington Elementary School in Kent.
Officials said a parent with children at both schools came down with flu-like symptoms last week and even though the students haven’t exhibited symptoms, they’re closing the schools for cleaning out of an abundance of caution.
Puyallup school officials said they made the decision to close Ferrucci and Wildwood Park Monday before consulting the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department out of an abundance of caution.
“We understand there is a lot of fear and we expect to see cases down here, but use common sense and do things that actually help,” said Dr. Anthony Chen, director of Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. “Where things are now, we would not recommend school closures.”
Both schools will resume classes Tuesday.
If you have any questions regarding specific symptoms, please contact your primary care provider or the Washington State Department of Health’s call center at 800-525-0127 and press #.
This story was originally published March 2, 2020 at 9:01 AM with the headline "2 Puyallup schools closed for cleaning Monday over coronavirus concerns."
