Berkeley Unified School District, or BUSD, announced Wednesday that its school closures will be extended to May 1 to limit the spread of COVID-19, colloquially known as the coronavirus.
The decision was a regional move made by Bay Area public health officers, including those from the city of Berkeley and Alameda County, in coordination with county superintendents, and it applies to public schools across the region.
According to BUSD Superintendent Brent Stephens, BUSD has begun developing a long-term Distance Learning Program instead of short-term home-learning resources.
He added that more information will be given at BUSD’s virtual board meeting Wednesday night.
“The safety and wellness of students, school personnel, and the community are the highest priorities of all schools and districts,” Stephens said in a districtwide email. “With the Shelter-in-Place extended now for weeks, we are all going to find new ways to support our children and each other.”
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