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Updated March 9, 3:16 p.m.
A family in Elk Grove — including a student — has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, prompting the district to close schools and cancel classes next week.
District officials say they were told by the Sacramento County Public Health Department on Friday that a family with students in Elk Grove schools was under quarantine after two people had tested positive for COVID-19. Monday health officials told the school that one of the family's four children, an elementary school student, had also tested positive.
A letter from the Elk Grove Unified School District superintendent on Saturday says that Sacramento County health officials confirmed the family was put under quarantine. “After careful consideration and in light of the new information, effective immediately, the District will close its schools, cancel classes and any student-related activities” from March 7-13.
The Sacramento County Public Health Department confirmed on Friday evening that the family was put under quarantine due to a positive COVID-19 test.
The district says it will change the dates for spring break to next week, so as to avoid lost school days. It says families with questions about the school closure can call (916) 686-7786 or learn more at EGUSD.net.
After the announcement, the Sacramento County Office of Education and Sacramento County Public Health Department released a statement saying they respected and would support Elk Grove's decision, but were not yet recommending any school or district shut down since there have been no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Sacramento County students or school staff.
"If diagnosed cases are discovered associated with schools, the public health department will advise what appropriate steps need to be taken, up to and including school closures or quarantines," the statement reads.
The Sacramento City Unified School District also released a letter stating that no SCUSD students or staff members had tested positive. The letter also noted that the district had not been advised by the county health department to close or cease current activities.
"Therefore, our schools will remain open until further notice and we will continue to take proactive measures such as disinfecting high touch areas and other on a daily basis," the letter states.
Read the Sacramento City Unified School District letter here:
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