CEA Executive Director Donald Williams and President Jeff Leake talk to Governor Ned Lamont about plans to protect Connecticut’s schools and communities against coronavirus.
As the threat of coronavirus disease spreads, CEA is working with Governor Ned Lamont, State Department of Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona, and others to ensure that Connecticut’s public schools are prepared.
“We must be proactive about ensuring the health and safety of our students, teachers, and school communities,” said CEA President Jeff Leake. “CEA is taking every step to make sure our teachers are up to date should this virus make its way into our state.”
Earlier this week, CEA posted to its website protocol developed especially for schools, based on recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control.
“We’re moving into the unknown, but Connecticut’s going to take the lead to keep your kids safe,” Governor Lamont said at a press conference Wednesday, attended by CEA President Jeff Leake and CEA Executive Director Donald Williams. The press conference, held at the state’s Emergency Operations Center, included briefings from the state’s epidemiologist and other health and emergency officials. “We are working together on a coordinated basis,” the governor said, adding, “This thing is breaking fast.”
The virus has made its way into nearly 50 countries, including the United States. In an effort to contain the pandemic, China and Japan have already moved to close schools.
At a press conference attended by Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona, CEA leaders, and others, Governor Lamont explains the state’s plans for addressing the threat of coronavirus.
In a follow-up meeting after the governor’s press conference, CEA met with Commissioner Cardona and other education stakeholders to discuss long-range planning for Connecticut’s schools.
“We’re starting to get questions from our local association leaders about protocols if and when someone in their school community gets diagnosed with coronavirus,” said Leake. “We are urging local leaders to talk to their superintendents now and to work together to develop plans for the schools in their districts. We’ll also be communicating regularly with our members through email alerts and other channels to ensure that teachers have the information they need to stay safe and protect their students.”
Watch for CEA’s Coronavirus Updates in your inbox and visit cea.org for the latest information.
