Pleasant Hill, CA– Public health officers and county superintendents in six Bay Area counties have announced they will extend the suspension of in-class instruction through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Francisco County Superintendents announced the decision to extend campus closures and continue to transition from in-person classroom instruction to at-home and distance learning formats. School campuses will remain open for food distribution and emergency childcare.  

The announcement comes as local public health officers continue to monitor and ensure shelter in place orders to limit COVID-19 community spread without testing available for staff and students. Local officials are now recommending that residents wear face coverings when out in public and are requiring essential businesses to post social distancing protocols.

“We know that social distancing is the most powerful weapon in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, health officer for Contra Costa County. “As hard as it is to extend school closures, we know that it is critical to protecting the health and safety of all residents of Contra Costa County and the Bay Area in general. We appreciate the opportunity to work closely with our school leaders as we adapt to this changing situation.”

As the number of confirmed cases continues to rise, residents, including all Contra Costa County students, are urged to keep practicing the guidance provided by public health officers including:

Staying home and limiting essential activities where possible

Washing hands often with soap and water

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

Contacting your healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing

Wearing face coverings (but not medical-grade masks)

Adhering closely to social distancing guidelines

More information about Contra Costa County schools’ response to COVID-19 can be found on the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s website.