The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19 started in a public market in Wuhan, China. This has now spread to over 85,000 people around the globe and has caused almost 3,000 deaths, both totals higher than the SARS and MERS epidemics of the past. This virus can stay in the body for two weeks or more without showing symptoms, but over this incubation period, the virus can still be transmitted to others.

Many infected individuals may spread the virus without their knowledge. Students may be infected and transmit the virus into our schools school and other public spaces. The incubation period is too long (over two weeks) to know the extent of the infection rate at this time.

In light of the new information that there are already two US deaths from COVID in Washington State, King County.  Gov. Jay Inslee (D) declared a state of emergency Saturday as more than 231 Washington residents remain under public health supervision. The state has 13 confirmed coronavirus cases overall.

We are asking the KSD Superintendant, Calvin Watts, and King County Public Health to close our schools to prevent the spreading of this virus. This virus may lay dormant for two weeks or even more in some cases. In classrooms, the cafeteria and other crowded areas, the virus will inevitably infect people thus increasing the infection rate exponentially.

Considering this, we urge the district office to make responsible decisions to close not just Kent Meridian High School, but all of our district schools and facilities to slow infection rates and keep students, their families, and everyone safe.