Gov. Andy Beshear recommended Thursday that schools remain closed through at least May 1 to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
“This goes along with what the White House put out, extending their guidance through April 30,” Beshear said. “We know it’s going to be needed for at least this period. What I told them was we would touch base two weeks out, or maybe even a week out from this point to see where we are.”
Owensboro Public Schools, Daviess County Public Schools and Owensboro Catholic Schools will tentatively resume in-person classes on May 4.
“I understand that this decision affects not only our students, but their families as well,” said OPS Interim Superintendent Matthew Constant in a statement. “It is still our hope, and the hope of school districts across Kentucky, to return to school so that students can have the proper end to the school year they deserve.”
Constant said they will continue Non-Traditional Instruction through April 17, and they will communicate any future plans as they develop. The district will continue providing free meals to anyone under 18 years of age at the five locations for drive-thru only.
All activities and events at DCPS will also remain closed/cancelled, and NTI will continue throughout this period. The last day of school is still currently set for Friday, May 15. Decisions regarding graduation and other events will be announced as soon as possible in cooperation with recommendations from local and state health agencies.
“Please know we are working diligently to determine the best courses of action given the unprecedented situation in which we find ourselves,” said Superintendent Matt Robbins in a statement. “We are looking forward to returning to school and seeing our students and staff together again as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. Until that happy day arrives, please continue to stay safe and well.”
Schools were originally asked to close for at least two weeks in March, and Beshear later extended that closure until April 20.
Kentucky has already canceled its standardized testing scheduled for May.
Note: A previous version of this article may have implied DCPS was contacted without response, but DCPS was not contacted.
—–
Click here for all of our coronavirus coverage.
The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
