The following area schools are cancelling classes, effective Monday, March 16th due to the concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 Virus. The length of time these schools will be closed in listed next to the district name, if that time frame has been established. (this list will be updated as information is confirmed):

• AC/GC Schools.
• Atlantic CSD
• Audubon Schools (for 4 weeks, effective 3/16)
  
• Bedford (TFN – ’til further notice)
• Carroll CSD
• Clarinda (4-weeks closure)
• Coon Rapids-Bayard
• Exira-EHK
• Griswold
• IKM-Manning
• Lenox
• Panorama CSD
• Shenandoah (4 weeks)
• Southwest Valley CSD
• West Central Valley

Other districts that are closing Tuesday morning through March 27th, include:

• AHSTW
• CAM (off from 3/17-4/13)
• Council Bluffs Public Schools
• Denison-Schleswig (closing for 4 weeks)
• Glenwood
• Harlan Schools
• Lewis Central
• Logan-Magnolia (closing for 4 weeks)
• Nodaway Valley ((off from 3/17-4/13))
• Riverside/Carson
• Sidney CSD (4 weeks)
• South Page (4 weeks)
• Treynor
• Tri-Center

Red Oak Schools will make an announcement Tuesday (3/17) on the status of classes.

Atlantic Community School District Superintendent Steve Barber said late Sunday night, that “Atlantic Schools are canceling tomorrow (Monday) base on Governor Reynolds’ recommendation. More information will be provided to Atlantic [District] parents and staff [on Monday].” Griswold schools have also cancelled classes.

Earlier Sunday night, Reynolds said she would ask all schools in Iowa to close for four-weeks, due to the Community Spread of the Covid-19 virus. Additional details from her are expected Monday, during a press conference.

Upon discovery of the existence of substantial community spread of COVID-19 in the state, Gov. Reynolds is recommending that Iowa schools close for four weeks.  “Based on new information today from the Iowa Department of Public Health, now is the time to move to the next level of response,” Gov. Reynolds stated. “I am now recommending that all Iowa schools close for a period of four weeks to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

Gov. Reynolds released the following video statement, it can be viewed here.

Gov. Reynolds is making this recommendation in consultation with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and based on CDC guidelines.

Earlier today (Sunday), IDPH was notified of four additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 22 positive cases. According to IDPH, two cases are related to international travel. The individuals are residents of Allamakee County, one is a middle-age adult between 41-60 years; the other is a child, age 0-18 years. The third case is a middle-age Johnson County resident with no identified travel-related risk or exposure to a known COVID-19 case, and is considered the second case of community spread in Iowa. The fourth individual resides in Polk County and is a middle-age adult and indicates a third case of community spread.

One of today’s (Sunday’s) new cases was the first Iowa test conducted by a national lab. With testing options now expanding, Iowa expects the numbers of positive cases to increase. The governor will hold a press conference tomorrow (Monday). The press conference will be streamed on her Facebook page.

The state of Iowa is developing policies to ensure continued access to child care during this time of emergency, including meals for low income students.

Also today (Sunday), Gov. Reynolds signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency continuing the proclamation signed on March 9, allowing retailers that sell liquor, beer, wine, carbonated beverages, and other beverages with an Iowa beverage container deposit to stop accepting empty cans and bottles for the duration of this disaster emergency.

On Sunday evening, the CDC updated its mass gathering guidance to postpone for the next 8 weeks any events with 50 or more people.  The goal is to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus. This recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials.

COVID-19 was first linked to an outbreak in Wuhan, China, but cases have subsequently been identified in several countries, including the U.S. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Those most at risk of the virus are older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Officials with the AHSTW School District, Sunday evening, said “As we continue to learn more and more about COVID-19 and the spread across our area, the AHSTW School District, in conjunction with all Pottawattamie County Schools Districts, will CLOSE school beginning on Tuesday, March 15, 2020. This closure will run through Friday, March 27.”

Officials said also, they will continue to monitor the situation, and provide more information as it becomes available.

Other schools in Pott. County that are closing include:

• Council Bluffs Community Schools beginning Tuesday, March 17.
• Riverside Community Schools (3/17-27).

Both of those districts essentially said the same thing on their social media pages: We have chosen to have school on Monday March 16, 2020, to allow teachers to connect with students and to provide information so they can continue engaging in learning during the closure. If your child is unable to attend school on Monday, we will get information to you on how to get the needed information.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa leaders say they will halt the current legislative session for at least 30 days after learning the state now has community spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the spreading coronavirus. Colin Tadlock, the spokesman for House Republicans, says in a statement that leaders made the decision Sunday.

The decision was made in consultation with the Iowa Department of Public Health and Gov. Kim Reynolds. The House and Senate will convene on Monday to consider resolutions regarding continuity of government to ensure delivery of essential government services.