AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: We have an updated list of Central Texas schools closing after spring break due to coronavirus concerns. To view that story, go here.
After Austin Public Health told the public that patients have tested presumptively positive for coronavirus in Travis County, some Central Texas schools announced they were canceling classes March 13.
The cancellations came the day before spring break was set to start for Austin-area schools.
Here is a list of Central Texas schools that have canceled Friday classes:
- Austin ISD
- Austin Community College (closing at 10 a.m. Friday)
- UT Austin
- St. Edward's University
- Manor ISD (early release: high school buses leave at 11:30 a.m., middle school at 12:30 p.m. and elementary at 1:15 p.m.)
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Austin ISD said it would be preparing lunch for students under the age of 19 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at 14 sites: Dobie, Cook, LBJ, Burnet, TA Brown, Eastside, Dawson, Linder, Crockett, Perez, Akins, Houston, Pleasant Hill, Govalle.
IDEA Public Schools will be extending its spring break through March 27 and will reopen on March 30.
Rockdale ISD will be closed through March 20, returning to school on March 23.
Manor ISD will be closing its schools for the week following its regularly scheduled spring break, March 23-27. Classes are expected to resume on March 30.
Taylor ISD will also be extending its regularly scheduled spring break until Monday, March 23.
On Friday, Llano ISD said everything was operating as normal until staff returns from spring break on March 23.
"Students return on March 24th unless otherwise mandated by the Texas Education Agency, the CDC, Texas Commissioner of Education or the governor of Texas," the school district said in a statement. "These decisions are based on emphasizing facts over fear and relying on credible sources of information."
Many Central Texas colleges have extended spring break. KVUE also has a growing list of other events and festivals have also been called off due to COVID-19 concerns.
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Although cases have been confirmed, Austin leaders are urging the public to not panic and to practice basic hygiene.
APH said the public is encouraged to limit the spread of the disease by following these practices:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
The City of Austin will be providing an updating case count here.
Check back on this story for updates.
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