Governor closes K-12 public schools

Gov. John Bel Edwards ordered K-12 public schools to close effective Monday through April 13 and banned gatherings of more than 250 people.
The orders in a proclamation announced Friday were made to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Edwards, in a news release, stated, “We are at an inflection point now and we are going to take bold action to minimize the further spread of this illness. That is why I am issuing this order today, ending all events of more than 250 people, closing our schools, and reducing the amount of face-to-face public interaction at state government buildings.”
On Thursday, LSU announced its classes would be offered online rather in-person. Classes that had been scheduled next week at LSUE were canceled to give faculty an opportunity to prepare to deliver online courses.
In the governor’s news release, he added, “In a separate executive order, I will grant Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s request to move our upcoming elections for April and May to June and July. The limits on gatherings of 250 people or more statewide is based on federal CDC guidance given the community spread which we are currently experiencing. These steps are necessary to protect the health and safety of the people of Louisiana from the risk of Covid-19.”
As of Friday afternoon, a statement had not been released from the St. Landry Parish School Board, but Superintendent Patrick Jenkins said in text that full-time employees are to continue to work. No decision had been made about other employees, he stated.
The governor’s announcement was that that the K-12 students would return April 13, but that is when spring break is scheduled.
However, the St. Landry Parish School Board website indicates classes will resume April 13.
In Acadia Parish, Superintendent Scott Richard notified employees that classes are to resume on April 20.
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lafayette are to close beginning Monday through April 13, according to a news release from Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel.
“I ask that you encourage school families to remember all persons affected by the coronavirus by the recitation of the rosary,” he stated
LSUE Chancellor Nancee Sorenson released a statement on Thursday.
“As you have read, the LSU system announced that all instruction will move to an online format as of March 30th to provide a proactive and safety conscious response to COVID-19 (coronavirus). In addition, all in-person classes the week of March 16th thru March 20th will be cancelled to allow our faculty and deans additional time to prepare for electronic instruction. Clinical and practicum instruction will not be interrupted and will continue as scheduled.
“Keeping the needs of students and employees in the forefront, LSUE will be open and staff will report to work in all areas of the college. Students will continue to receive all student and academic support services, including the Student Success Center, Testing Center, Library, computer labs, modular math lab, health clinic, bookstore and food services. Bengal Village will remain open for all current residents.”
Sorenson continued, “It is important to note that there are no known cases of Covid-19 at LSUE. We will continue to support one another and collaborate across the campus to identify issues and concerns that need special attention to be effectively addressed.”
The LSUE athletic department suspended all athletic events through March 30.
Jeff Willis, athletic director, stated, “Our coaches and student-athletes have put a tremendous amount of work into their seasons and while we are disappointed for them, this is ultimately in the best interest of everyone’s health and safety. We will continue to monitor the situation with our goal of resuming play at some point for our athletic teams.”
LSUE also issued this statement, “As a precautionary measure, we are asking that all on-campus events and LSU-sponsored off-campus events of 30 attendees or more to be canceled effective immediately, through May 30. A decision about commencement will be made at a later date.
“Events with fewer than 30 attendees will need to receive approval though the LSU Emergency Operations Center ...”
St. Landry Parish Supt. Jenkins said on Thursday that four staff members and one student have been out because they may have been exposed the coronavirus. “I want to emphasize none has the virus,” he said.
The news Friday afternoon was one of cancellations.
The “Rendez-vous des Cajuns” show at the Liberty Theater was cancelled Saturday and further notice.
Robert Johnson, Eunice recreation director, announced player evaluations scheduled Monday had been cancelled. The start of the season is to be postponed.
The Eunice Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is to meet Tuesday to decide if the 35th annual World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-off will be held March 29.