Currently, almost every single school district in the state of California is closed due to COVID-19. We, students at Rosamond High School in Rosamond, California, as are incredibly concerned for our well-being. While COVID-19 is not harmful to a majority of students at our school and even those younger than us, the virus still poses a large threat. There are many students that are immunocompromised or have other preexisting medical conditions making them even more susceptible to the virus, which can in some cases lead to do death. Even if a student without these conditions catches the virus, there is a large chance that they can unknowingly spread the virus to others that are also extremely susceptible to the virus, such as the elderly or others, who are outside of schools, with preexisting medical conditions. 

Governor of California state, Gavin Newsom, has called for all large gatherings of 250+ people such as concerts, sports events, etc. to be canceled and/or postponed. Governor Newsom has also called for all bars, nightclubs, and even restaurants to consider shutting their doors for the time being to prevent the spread of the virus. All school districts in California have listened and have cancelled school until either the first or second week of April. However, Kern County has not. This is putting many lives in danger. 

Outside of the state of California, many other states are doing the same and canceling classes for the next few weeks. The CDC is now even recommending that all gatherings of 50+ people to be avoided and canceled. Kern County Schools have no excuse for why they must remain open. Gavin Newsom has already stated that all schools will still be funded even through any closures due to COVID-19. We need to protect our community from being even more exposed to the virus. We ask that Kern County schools close for the same time period that other districts in the state are closing for as well. 

These next few weeks are crucial for preventing the spread of COVID-19.