To prevent flu, coronavirus spread, Malden charter school will close for a whole week

MALDEN, Mass. — Out of an abundance of caution, a Malden charter school will remain closed for the entirety of next week in efforts to curb the spread of the flu and COVID-19.

On Thursday, Mystic Valley Regional Charter School Superintendent Alex Dan issued a statement saying the school has decided to close Wednesday, March 11 through Friday, March 13 to help prevent the spread of the flu and the novel coronavirus within the school community. The school had previously scheduled days off on Monday and Tuesday and additional days at the end of the year designated for snow day make-up use.

Given the mild winter, the school did not take any snow days this year.

Dan emphasized that, while these precautionary measures are being taken, no students have been exposed to the virus nor are they aware of any students that have recently traveled to the countries identified as restricted by the CDC.

“We have asked all of our parents and families to notify the school if they plan to travel internationally in the coming weeks and have directed them to the appropriate governmental resources for the latest information on the outbreak,” Dan said. “I would like to be very clear, once again, in stating that this decision is not responsive to any threat of infection or exposure within our student body or school community at large.”

School officials have been in communication with local and state health agencies to ensure they are prepared for the issue. Dan highlighted the school did not make the decision to suspend school operations because of any advice given by health officials.

“Our top priority is to do everything possible to keep our students safe,” said Dan. "Taking this step provides us with additional time and perspective to watch as the professionals assess the nature of the outbreak, and it allows us to take protective steps within the school in the area of safety and sanitary protocols.”

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