Coronavirus: Massachusetts teachers union urges immediate closure of state’s public schools

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Massachusetts Teachers Association on Friday urged state officials to immediately close all public schools across the commonwealth.

The coronavirus outbreak has prompted schools, college campus and private businesses to shut down across the country. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced Friday the closure of all Boston Public Schools for one month.

In a statement, Massachusetts Teachers Association President Merrie Najimy called for a two-week closure of all public schools, while preparing for a longer one if needed in an effort “to make a significant and consistent impact on the spread of COVID-19, which we all know is a potentially deadly virus.”

“Already, we are seeing widespread closings of public schools as preK-12 districts work to follow the guidelines set forth by public health officials to mitigate the spread of COVID-19," she said. “But more is needed. The piecemeal approach is ineffective. We must take action on a statewide basis to protect students, educators, and the health of Massachusetts families.”

Najimy called on the state, cities and counties “to develop safety nets that will ensure the ongoing well-being” of those impacted by the crisis, and said “the state must assist communities in making sure that all children who rely on schools for access to food will still have a way to receive meals.”

The closure can be assessed in two weeks, Najimy added.

On Friday, Rep. Alice Peisch, D-Wellesley, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Education for the Massachusetts House, also called on state officials to shutter all schools in the state to block the spread of coronavirus.

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