(This is inspired by a similar petition in LWSD - http://chng.it/cMLGYXH8

Seattle area has become the epicenter of Corona virus outbreak (COVID-19). As of 6PM on 3/1/2020, two deaths from the virus have been reported in Seattle area. More is to be learned about the virus outbreak and the extent to which it has spread in the area.

Everett school district is in close proximity of Kirkland, where multiple cases were reported. 12.5% of King county workers live in Snohomish county (as of 2015), I believe the number would be much higher in 2020. This just increases the odds of having a family member with asymptomatic infections.

We would like the school district administration to strongly consider closing schools until we understand the full impact of Corona virus in the area. When we close schools for snow, why not for this deadly virus with about 1% death rate among infected people?

We understand this can be disruptive for parents that don't have alternate child care arrangements, but I sincerely think they would appreciate the risk has just increased recently.

To reduce impact on the school year schedule, we would like the teachers to consider assignments students can complete at home, extended access to online tools such as Epic/iReady etc.

Thank you for your consideration,
Parents of students in Everett school district.