Update 3-13-20 7:49 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday, following the news of Alabama’s first confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, issued a State of Emergency. She, along with Alabama State Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey, announced that all K-12 public schools in the state of Alabama will close at the end of the day Wednesday, March 18 and remained closed for at least the following two weeks.
“Along with my fellow Alabamians, I have closely monitored the rapidly changing events regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19),” said Ivey. “As a state, we have taken precautionary measures and made preparations in the case that the virus would eventually reach our state. As I have emphasized time and again, the safety and health of Alabamians is paramount. Alabamians are smart and savvy, and I know they will continue taking appropriate precautions to prevent the spread to themselves or others. We have taken a calm and collected approach in preparation for this first confirmed case, and we need to remember that calm and steady wins the race. Alabamians should not be fearful, but instead, use common sense to watch out for themselves and others. We will remain engaged on the matter and continue prioritizing the health and wellbeing of all Alabamians.
State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said, “The Alabama Department of Public Health has worked hard to prepare and has anticipated receiving a report of the first case of COVID-19 in an Alabama resident. We continue to recommend that people be prudent and encourage them to use proper hygiene behaviors such as handwashing, not touching their faces with unwashed hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if they have fever. As a precaution, it is suggested that any gatherings of more than 500 people be postponed or canceled.”
Harris said there are now two confirmed COVID-19 cases in Alabama, and there could be as many as five by the end of the day Friday.
Cullman City Schools issued the following statement to students and parents following Ivey’s proclamation: “As directed by Governor Kay Ivey, Cullman City Schools will be closing Thursday, March 19, 2020. Schools will tentatively reopen Monday, April 6, 2020.”
Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette echoed Ivey, confirming schools will be closed starting next Thursday.
Both systems are putting into place plans for students to continue with their studies during the closure.
Wallace State Community College (WSCC) announced Friday it will extend its spring break from March 17 through Friday, April 3 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
A statement from WSCC said, “Wallace State Community College, by directive of the Alabama Community College System, and consistent with higher education institutions in Alabama and across the country, will EXTEND SPRING BREAK from Tuesday, March 17, through Friday, April 3, in an effort to protect the health and safety of our communities and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“NOTE: Students should check the College’s website, Blackboard and/or their Wallace State email prior to returning to campus after spring break. Many classes at Wallace State are already available in a hybrid or online environment, and others will be transitioning to these modes of instruction when classes resume after the break.
“A plan for compressing time to completion of the semester for students who are enrolled in programs that require competency check-offs, labs, and clinical hours will be communicated with students by their departments…
“The COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving and, as a result, our response continues to evolve. Any updates to our schedule, method of class delivery, and interim policies will be communicated via the College’s website, Blackboard and email. This information will be updated as circumstances require.”
For the very latest, check www.CullmanTribune.com/tag/coronavirus/.
To read Ivey’s State of Emergency proclamation, go to https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2020/03/state-of-emergency-coronavirus-covid-19/.
UPDATED 3-13-20 5:10 P.M.
All K-12 public schools will be closed beginning at the end of the day Wednesday, March 18 through the following two weeks.
Original post
CULLMAN, Ala. – Wallace State Community College announced Friday it will extend its spring break from March 17 through Friday, April 3 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Both Cullman City Schools and Cullman County Schools will hold classes as normal.
A statement from WSCC said, “Wallace State Community College, by directive of the Alabama Community College System, and consistent with higher education institutions in Alabama and across the country, will EXTEND SPRING BREAK from Tuesday, March 17, through Friday, April 3, in an effort to protect the health and safety of our communities and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“NOTE: Students should check the College’s website, Blackboard and/or their Wallace State email prior to returning to campus after spring break. Many classes at Wallace State are already available in a hybrid or online environment, and others will be transitioning to these modes of instruction when classes resume after the break.
“A plan for compressing time to completion of the semester for students who are enrolled in programs that require competency check-offs, labs, and clinical hours will be communicated with students by their departments.
“During the extended spring break, the Wallace State Library, enrollment services, and other student services offices will remain open and available to serve students. Virtual advising is available to students during normal business hours through the Wallace State Advising Center. Tutoring is also available electronically through Upswing. Basic services for students living on campus who do not have alternative accommodations will continue.
“The College will consider any exceptions that need to be made during the break on a case-by-case basis for students with unusual academic, apprenticeship, clinical, or other requirements. Following the break, accommodations will be made for students without access to high-speed internet whose classes have transitioned to online instruction.
“Travel restrictions for all College-related international and domestic travel continue until further notice. All non-essential College-related meetings, gatherings and events on campus are cancelled for the remainder of the crisis. An interim employee sick leave policy has also been issued.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving and, as a result, our response continues to evolve. Any updates to our schedule, method of class delivery, and interim policies will be communicated via the College’s website, Blackboard, and email. This information will be updated as circumstances require.”
Cullman City Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson said, “We are following the guidance provided by Alabama State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Eric Mackey. We have plans in place in the event we have school closures.”
Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette said, “We have discussed it. but our State Superintendent, Eric Mackey, is currently recommending for us to keep our schools open for as long as we can. Our teachers are working on internet-based lessons and paper-based lessons that can be distributed quickly if the decision to close is made.”
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