HUDSON, Ohio — Western Reserve Academy, a boarding school located in Hudson, says it is asking its students to stay home following spring break as it moves to a temporary mode of online classes amid concerns about coronavirus.
“At Western Reserve Academy, we have had a proactive plan in place for mitigating risk related to the Coronavirus and for ensuring safety, calm and clarity. We move forward with our plan in order to mitigate risk and the consequences of inaction. During a time of disruption and uncertainty, our goal is to take as much preemptive action as possible to ease minds, provide clarity and allow for life without consternation. As a boarding school, our sense of togetherness defines us. We look forward to returning to the normalcy of togetherness in the coming weeks,” Head of School Suzanne Walker Buck said in a statement.
The school says it plans to shift to a temporary online learning protocol after its Spring Break as a response to coronavirus, utilizing its sophisticated technology infrastructure and leadership.
According to its release, Western Reserve's global community consists of a student body of 400 students from 25 countries and 26 states. Two-thirds of the student body and 80% of faculty live on campus.
On Monday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has confirmed that there are now three cases of coronavirus in the state. All three of the cases are from Cuyahoga County.
DeWine has declared a state of emergency in the state, as "a legal necessity that allows state departments and agencies to better coordinate in their response."
According to DeWine, all three patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are in their mid-50s. Two are a married couple who were recently on a cruise on the Nile River, while the other attended a conference in Washington D.C.
RELATED: City, county leaders hold briefing after three people confirmed with coronavirus in Cuyahoga County
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