SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Public Schools is restricting activities involving groups of 250 people or more, effective immediately.
The district is also taking measures toward social distancing by not mixing with people outside of the school community, according to a letter sent to families and staff.
"This limitation does not include regular school day instruction and meals, as those only include students and staff who are already within the same building," the letter reads.
District leaders said they are working closely with state and local government agencies to make any determination regarding school closures. The Spokane Regional Health District is not recommending school closures or the cancellation of school-related travel right now.
SPS provides a number of resources to offer opportunities for learning at home, including digital tools such as Moby Max, Blackboard and Office 365, according to the letter.
If students must be absent from school for an extended period of time, teachers may provide materials electronically or through hard copies, which can be picked up at the school or other designated locations.
District leaders say they are working closely with experts to prepare for the possible impacts of COVID-19 in Spokane.
"Expert information continues to be provided by the public health and medical professionals associated with the Center for Disease Control, the Department of Health, and the Spokane Regional Health District that has jurisdiction in our school district," the letter reads.
Other school districts outline COVID-19 response
Mead School District announced Friday that all extracurricular activities and sports have been canceled until further notice.
The Mead School District also said its COVID-19 team meets every Monday to discuss plans going forward. It is also asking students who are feeling ill to stay home, and that students not return until they are fever free for at least 72 hours.
A spokesperson for the West Valley School District said all non-district use of its facilities, as well as evening events such as concerts, plays and craft fairs, have been canceled. They added that leaders will decide on Friday if district events will continue or be canceled.
The Coeur d'Alene School District said on Thursday night that it is canceling or postponing indoor activities with more than 250 people or activities where social distancing of 6 feet or more isn't possible. Meals and normal classes will go as normal.
The Clarkston School District also said on Thursday that it is restricting travel for students to the west side of the state and is eliminating meetings of more than 250 people.