SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — Three local teens have temporarily isolated themselves after coming into contact with a Cuyahoga County person who has since contracted the coronavirus.
Shaker Heights City School District Superintendent David Glasser said Tuesday two high school students attended the same Washington, D.C. conference as the patient, while Beachwood Superintendent Robert P. Hardis says one of that city's own high school students did the same. While it is not fully known if these students had any extended or close contact with the patient, they are currently under self-quarantine "per the directions of medical authorities."
At this time, both districts will continue with classes, although Dr. Hardis wrote that he "understand[s] if you elect to keep your children at home at this time." Both districts will be undergoing heightened screening, and are also preparing to shut down for an extended period of tie should the situation change.
None of the three students have been exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus at this time, although they have come into contact with several other students and individuals since returning from Washington. Those other individuals have not been advised to self-quarantine.
In addition to asking all indoor sporting events in Ohio to go without fans for the time being, Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday also advised state colleges and universities to conduct classes remotely until the spread of the virus can be contained. He agreed with Shaker Heights' and Beachwood's assessment that K-12 classes can continue, but told parents and administrators to be prepared for that to change.
"We are at a critical time, and we need to get this right," DeWine said. "Every action each of us takes will help save lives."
The have been three confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Ohio (all in Cuyahoga County), with 15 others currently under investigation. The disease has so far killed more than 4,000 people worldwide. and officials believe it could be twice as contagious and up to 34 times more deadly than the common flu.
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