Informative posters, lockdown drills, even a simulation for which school was canceled. All of these are different techniques that Wayzata Public Schools have used to prevent school shootings. The district's adamant decision to protect the well-being of its students is perfectly justifiable. School shootings have killed over 100 students and injured over 240 in the past 10 years. Yet, when something nearly 400 times deadlier than a school shooter makes its appearance, the district is willing to turn a blind eye.

COVID-19, more commonly known as the coronavirus, has killed over 5,000 and affected over 135,000 humans in just over three months since its first appearance. The virus has a 14 day incubation period, where symptoms may not show up but the infected individual may still be contagious. There are already 4 confirmed cases and potentially more undetected cases in Hennepin County. Based on the data released on March 13th, Hennepin County is the epicenter of the outbreak in Minnesota. The infected individuals are almost certain to have come into contact with others. Wayzata's students are in direct danger. The coronavirus has a 3.4% mortality rate. This means that over 250 students- 55 in the High School, alone- may die if Wayzata's schools become exposed-more than twice the number of deaths from all the school shootings in the U.S in the past 10 years. Once the district decides to act, it will be too late.

Thus, I am asking for your signature to help stop the crisis before it begins. This petition is far more important than any lockdown drill or simulation the district may concoct. This petition will help save the lives of countless students and family members while preventing further spreading of the virus.