The Lewiston and Lapwai school districts are among several school districts and daycare centers across Idaho that have closed in efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. As of this morning (MON), there are five confirmed cases of COVID-19 spread across the southern half of the state. Idaho Governor Brad Little told school districts Sunday the choice to close should be made locally, and Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen cautioned schools that there was little evidence to show short-term school closures help to slow coronavirus spread. But some parents and staffers at districts across the state urged school leaders to close schools. The Lewiston, Lapwai, Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Twin Falls, Nampa, Cassia, and other districts made the decision to close. The Lewiston School District is closed for two weeks beginning today (MON), and including Spring Break. Superintendent Bob Donaldson says district officials will use the 2-week period to asses the situation and go from there. The district is working to develop a plan to offer breakfast and lunch to students under 18 to help alleviate food insecurity. Among those closing until March 30th is the West Ada School District, the largest in the state with roughly 40-thousand students in the Meridian area. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. (AP)
