Monroe County is waiting on test results for at least six possible coronavirus cases, but still has only two confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease according to County Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza.
Doctor Mendoza is recommending that all non-public schools consider closing to avoid spreading the disease. All public schools in Monroe County will be closed starting Monday, as are schools in Ontario, Orleans, Genesee County and Batavia. Wayne County is holding a meeting this afternoon (Sun) to determine what action to take.
While schools are closed, students who rely on them for the breakfast and lunch will be provided with meals by local school districts in the suburbs, and by Rochester City Schools and City R-Centers in Rochester. Suburban districts are still working out their arrangements, but Mayor Lovely Warren says nine city R-Centers will be open and School Superintendent Terry Dade says seven school buildings will be open to serve meals to children. Foodlink says they're expecting to provide 20,000 "grab and go" meals per day for city students.
Meanwhile, Dade says the district and city teachers are working out plans to continue educating children while schools are closed. Details will be sent directly to parents. One thing the city schools won't be doing is online learning. Dade says too many city students don't have internet and computer access at home to make that possible.
Deputy County Executive for Social Services Corinda Crossdale says county residents who need child care because of schools being closed may be able to get additional benefits because or orders from Governor Cuomo making additional subsidies available and streamlining the application process. Application is online, and Mayor Warren says the city will keep its libraries open for at least the next week for those who need to use the internet. After this week, the city will consider if libraries should be closed as most suburban branches have already announced.