Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined with Superintendent of Schools Dan Warwick, and Health Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris today in announcing a state of emergency in the City of Springfield and the temporary closing of schools.
Mayor Sarno stated, “In the name of public health and safety I have declared a state of emergency to mitigate any potential spread of COVID-19 – Coronavirus. This declaration not only gives me sweeping powers, but more importantly avails our city and schools to all federal and state relief and recovery assistance needed.” Mayor Sarno added, “In abundance of caution and in the name of continued structural deep cleaning mitigation to protect our students, teachers, staff and their families, in order to stem and prevent any potential spread of the COVID-19 – Coronavirus. I concur with Superintendent Dan Warwick and Health Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris that this temporary move should be made in the name of public health and safety. My administration continues to work very closely with Baystate Medical Center President and CEO Dr. Mark Keroack in containment of this situation.”
Superintendent Warwick said, “We have kept our schools open for as long as we believe has been possible, as recommended by state and local public health authorities. We know that in addition to education, schools provide vital support to our communities and that closure will have a major impact on our families. After much consultation today with Mayor Sarno, those authorities and with other superintendents, Springfield Public Schools has made the decision to close until March 27, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that extended school closure will create hardship for many families. Please know that we are doing our very best to make decisions that will help care for all of us through this time. Further information and guidance will be forthcoming.”
The City of Springfield will continue to monitor the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) situation. The city is committed to keeping our residents and business community informed about the latest developments. To stay up-to-date on all the latest information we encourage everyone to visit the City’s website at www.springfield-ma.gov.
There is a dedicated City of Springfield Health and Human Services Department webpage that is continually updated as new information and developments come in from our Springfield Public Schools, Baystate Health and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
