COVID-19, best known as the Coronavirus, is a rapidly spreading virus characterized by fevers, coughing, vomiting, headaches, and more symptoms. Although this may seem like a simple case of the flu, COVID-19 is in fact more deadly and is spreading at an exponentially higher rate.

As of today, 3/13/20, New York has the second most amount of cases of coronavirus (328, to be exact) in the United States (CNN). While most schools across New York and specifically around the Three Village area are closing, such as the Stony Brook School, Shoreham Wading River High School, and Smithtown School District, ours still remains open. Why? Ward Melville High School has a population of over 2,000 people alone, and one student carrying the virus can easily lead to 50+ more cases. The virus is EXTREMELY contagious, and since we're already in such tightly packed spaces like the gym and our regular classrooms, one case is bound to spread soon. There is no reason why the school can't take preventative action now to delay/stop the spread of the virus in our district. Further preventing this action is not just irresponsible on our district's behalf, but lazy and dangerous as well. They are risking the students' and staffs' lives by forcing the school to remain open. So on behalf of the Three Village student body: CLOSE THE DISTRICT.