As the coronavirus outbreak prompts Long Island schools, colleges, and universities to begin cancelling classes, here are the latest closings in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
UPDATE: Nassau County Executive Laura Curran announced Sunday, March 15, that all K-12 public and private schools in the county will be closed for two weeks starting Monday, March 16.
UPDATE: Suffolk County Steve Bellone announced Sunday, March 15, that all K-12 public and private schools in the county will be closed for two weeks starting Monday, March 16.
Update: All Long Island Schools Closed for 2 Weeks, LI Coronavirus Cases At 145
ADELPHI UNIVERSITY
Adelphi University canceled classes Wednesday through Friday and will transition to online classes after the conclusion of spring break next week.
“Out of an abundance of caution, executive and academic leadership have decided to cancel on-campus classes at Adelphi University’s main campus in Garden City, along with the Manhattan, Hudson Valley, and Suffolk Centers beginning Wednesday, March 11, 2020 through Sunday, March 22, 2020,” the university said. “Adelphi University will offer all classes in an online format beginning on Monday, March 23, 2020 until further notice.”
BABYLON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Babylon school officials canceled classes for four days.
“While there are no known cases of COVID-19 in Babylon Schools, out of an abundance of
caution we have decided to close schools effective Monday, March 16th through Thursday,
March 19th for all students and staff, therefore using our allowance of 4 unused snow days
without affecting any upcoming vacation periods at this given time,” the district said. “We plan for schools to re-open on Friday, March 20th, 2020 for all students and staff.”
BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Bellmore-Merrick school officials canceled classes for two days.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the decision has been made for the Bellmore-Merrick CHSD to be closed on Monday, March 16, 2020 and Tuesday, March 17, 2020,” the district said.
BRENTWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT
Brentwood school officials canceled classes Friday, March 13 to clean its buildings.
“The Brentwood School District has been made aware of several potential cases of the coronavirus within the community,” the district said. “We have been in contact with the Suffolk County Department of Health and as of right now there are no confirmed cases in the Brentwood School Community. However, out of an overabundance of concern for the children and staff members of the school community, the Brentwood Board of Education and I will be closing all school’s tomorrow, Friday, March 13, 2020. As of now, schools will be open on Monday, March 16, 2020.”
CENTRAL ISLIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
Central Islip school officials canceled classes on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17.
“Although there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our school district, it is out of an abundance of caution and concern for students and staff members of our community, that schools will be closed to faculty and staff, as well as to all after-school activities … so our buildings and grounds department can conduct a comprehensive deep cleaning of all high-contact surfaces in our buildings,” the district said.
COLLEGE AT OLD WESTBURY
SUNY College at Old Westbury cancelled classes Wednesday, March 11, and is transitioning to online-only classes.
“During the remainder of this week and next, the college is finalizing plans with faculty for a likely move to alternate modes of instructional delivery starting on Monday, March 23,” the college said in a statement. “Students will hear from their course instructors next week with details on how each individual course will take place.”
COMMACK SCHOOL DISTRICT
Commack school officials canceled classes for two weeks.
“The Commack School District has made a determination to close schools for a two-week period,” the district said. “Based on guidance from county, state, and federal offices, this time period of limited social contact may help deter the spread of COVID-19.”
CONNETQUOT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Connetquot school officials canceled classes on Monday, March 16.
“The Connetquot Central School District has not been made aware of any positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) within the Connetquot community,” Superintendent of Schools Lynda G. Adams told parents in an email. “Due to the continued guidance from the CDC, as well as the New York State and Suffolk County Departments of Health, Connetquot Schools will remain open. However, the district has made the following operational changes: Schools will be closed for students on Monday, March 16, 2020 for a Superintendent’s Conference Day for staff. Teachers will prepare educational opportunities for our students to be worked on independently, in order to be proactive and prepared, if we are forced to close due to confirmed cases of COVID-19. Schools will be open for students on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.”
EAST WOODS SCHOOL
East Woods School, a private school in Glen Cove, was closed Tuesday, March 10. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said this was in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE
Farmingdale State College canceled classes after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 through Saturday, March 14, and made classes remote for the rest of the spring.
“Classes at all SUNY colleges will be taught online, wherever possible, for the remainder of the semester,” the college said in a statement.
FRANKLIN SQUARE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Franklin Square school officials canceled classes Friday, March 13.
“A staff member at the Washington Street School informed us that they were directed to take the COVID-19 test when a close relative, who they had direct contact with, tested positive,” the district said. “Those results are pending. Out of an abundance of caution and after a discussion with the Nassau County Department of Health, we have decided to close the district on Friday, March 13, 2020. While we have been sanitizing all spaces daily, tomorrow our custodians and bus drivers will perform a deep cleaning in all school buildings and buses. We anticipate opening all buildings on Monday, March 16, 2020.”
FRIENDS ACADEMY
The Locust Valley-based private school indicated on its website that it is closed Tuesday. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said this was in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
“While the physical Friends Academy campus will remain closed through Friday, March 13, our virtual school opens Wednesday, March 11 with all students PreK-12th grade,” the school said.
GLEN COVE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Glen Cove City School District officials canceled classes Tuesday, March 10.
“We have just learned that a contract transportation employee has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus,” Glen Cove Schools Superintendent Maria Rianna said in a statement. “As a result, we are working with the Nassau County Department of Health to insure the health and safety of all our students and staff. As a precaution, will be closing schools tomorrow, March 10th, with additional information forthcoming. The parents and/or guardians of the students involved have been notified and we will continue to update all accordingly.”
Schools reopened Wednesday, March 11.
“The families of the students on those routes were contacted and are mandated to self-quarantine until March 20,” the district said.
GREENPORT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Greenport School District officials canceled classes as a precaution.
“Although the district has not received a positive result of COVID 19 in a student or staff member, we have made the decision to close tomorrow, March 12th and Friday, March 13th,” the district said on its website. “This is out of an abundance of caution and will allow the District to complete a deep, thorough cleaning of the building. We will remain in constant contact with the Suffolk County Department of Health.”
HAUPPAUGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Hauppauge school officials canceled two days of classes to clean the buildings.
“There are no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 among our faculty, staff, or students,” the district said. “However, to prepare for the possibility of school closure, there will be no school for students on Friday, March 13 and Monday, March 16.”
HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
Hofstra University canceled classes for the week to avoid potentially spreading the disease after a Hofstra student was sent to the hospital to get tested for the virus.
“On Sunday, March 8, a student contacted the Student Health and Counseling Center reporting flu-like symptoms, after attending a conference where an attendee has tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19),” Hofstra said in an email to students. “The student is being tested and is in isolation. In keeping with current state Department of Health directives, six individuals who have been in close contact with this student have also been asked to self-isolate pending the student’s test results.”
According to a social media account of the Hofstra University student in quarantine, the student, who is currently being tested for coronavirus at Nassau University Medical Center, attended the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) from Feb. 27 to March 1. The American Conservative Union, the group that runs CPAC, alerted all attendees on March 7 that someone who attended the conference had tested positive for the coronavirus.
After learning of this development, the student, who noticed coronavirus-like symptoms after attending the conference, sought medical treatment.
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HOLY TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL
Holy Trinity High School will be closed for five days.
“At this time, Holy Trinity Diocesan High School has no known cases now has anyone been tested for the COVID-19 virus,” Principal Kathleen Moran wrote in a letter on the school’s website. “At this time, Diocesan elementary and high schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre will conduct a Professional Day on Monday, March 16th. Only faculty and staff are to report, no students. No students will attend school from Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 20th.”
JERICHO SCHOOL DISTRICT
Jericho Schools are closed March 12 and 13, the district said.
LEVITTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Levittown school officials canceled classes for two days.
“We have been notified by the Nassau County Department of Health that a GC Tech staff member has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19),” the district said. “As mandated by the New York State Health Department, GC Tech will be closed on Friday, March 13 and Monday, March 16. Since GC Tech is located at Levittown Memorial, and our students attend this program, the Levittown School District will also close all district schools on Friday and Monday out of an abundance of caution to clean and disinfect all of our schools. Please note that although this individual is not a Levittown Employee, we feel strongly that this is a prudent course of action.”
LOCUST VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Locust Valley Central School District cancelled classed Tuesday, March 10.
“The district has been alerted by the Nassau County Department of Health that two contracted employees involved in transporting students have tested positive for COVID-19,” the district said on its website. “The district will be closed on Tuesday, March 10 so we can learn more and assess the situation to determine the best steps forward. We will keep the community updated as new information becomes available.”
Schools reopened the following day.
“All Locust Valley Central School District students will have a two-hour delayed opening on Wednesday, March 11,” the district said.
It then closed for two more days.
“All Locust Valley Central School District Schools will be closed on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17,” the district said.
LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY
LIU is transitioning to online-only classes for two weeks.
“Effective March 16, 2020 Long Island University will move to online instruction at all locations through March 27, 2020,” the university said.
MILLER PLACE SCHOOL DISTRICT
“The District is altering the school calendar for Monday, March 16, 2020 as follows: No student attendance and no student activities, including athletics,” the district said.
MOLLOY COLLEGE
Molloy College in Rockville Centre has suspended all face-to-face instruction for the next 18 days out of an abundance of caution amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, officials said.
The college issued a statement Tuesday that there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus at Molloy, but it is suspending in-person classes “for all academic credit coursework at all locations” from Wednesday, March 11, through Saturday, March 28 to be safe. It is also canceling all on-campus events between those dates.
“Faculty will offer classes via alternate delivery methods,” the college said. “Staff and administrators who can work from home may be required to do so until further notice.”
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NASSAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Nassau Community College officials canceled classes on Wednesday, March 11, after a person with ties to the campus tested positive for coronavirus.
“The college has its first confirmed positive association with the virus and as such we are closing the campus through Wednesday in order to clean the campus according to appropriate guidelines,” the college said in a statement. “Face-to-face classes have been suspended through the end of the week. Online classes will continue. We will work closely with State and County officials to assess the college’s COVID-19 situation and determine when we can resume normal operations.
OYSTER BAY-EAST NORWICH CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District school officials canceled classed Tuesday.
“The Nassau County Department of Health (DOH) just contacted us to share that two individuals employed by our transportation contractor who transport community students to locations OTHER than our District schools have tested positive for COVID-19,” the district said on its website. “DOH is contacting each affected student’s family to advise on required quarantine and plans to monitor them during this period. At this time there have been no confirmed cases among our students or staff.
Out of an abundance of caution, schools will be closed Tuesday, March 10th for further cleaning and assessment of this matter,” the statement continued. “Transportation for students who attend schools other than OBEN schools will be provided. We will remain in close contact with the DOH and transportation company.”
The district reopened on Wednesday, March 11.
“After coordinated efforts by the Department of Health and our transportation company to take proper precautions, schools will be open,” the district said.
OYSTERPONDS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Oysterponds school officials canceled classes for two days.
“Upon the recommendation from the Suffolk County Board of Health, the Oysterponds School will be closed tomorrow, Friday, March 13th and Monday, March 16th, 2020 for a cautious investigation of our communities,” the district said. “Out alternative learning program is already underway. Please follow your teacher’s directions. Stay home and wash your hands.”
PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District officials announced Monday that classes would be canceled Tuesday after a staffer was confirmed as having coronavirus.
“We have just been notified by a staff member who has a confirmed case of the coronavirus, Plainview-Old Bethpage Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lorna Lewis said in a message on the district’s website.
The school buildings are scheduled to be cleaned after 6 p.m. Monday. The school later announced that it was staying closed on Wednesday March 11.
“While we have not received any notice of additional identified cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) within our community, the [Nassau County Health] Department requested we close all schools until we receive further guidance from New York State Department of Education,” the district said.
The closure was later extended to Thursday, March 12.
“The district understands this is an inconvenience, but we are taking these precautionary steps in the best interest of our students, staff and the community,” the school said.
And on Thursday, the school announced that it was closing for two weeks.
“The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District was ordered by the Nassau County Department of Health to close all schools within the District starting tomorrow, March 13, 2020, and reopen on Friday, March 20, 2020,” the district said. “While there are no additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 that have been reported within the District, we are closing all schools out of an abundance of caution and commitment to contain the spread of the virus within our community. This will provide the District with an additional opportunity to initiate further cleaning measures and facilitate social-distancing.”
PORTLEDGE SCHOOL
Portledge School, a private school in Locust Valley, canceled classes Tuesday.
“Out of an abundance of caution in response to the closure of the LV School District, Portledge will also be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10,” the school said on its website. “While we have not been instructed by the Health Department to do so and do not have any identified Covid-19 cases at our school, we will use the day to assess the situation and determine next steps.”
The cancellation was scheduled to continue until Friday.
“Online instruction for our Middle and Upper School students will commence on Friday, March 13,” the school said.
PORT WASHINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Port Washington school officials canceled classes for two days.
“The Board of Education, after due consideration of the most up-to-date information from our federal, state and local health departments and experts, and acting with an abundance of precaution, has decided to close our schools tomorrow, Friday, March 13th and Monday, March 16th,” the district said. “This will give us time to assess more closely what our options are moving forward and to have further discussions with educators and health experts around Long Island. Please know our teachers are working on plans for remote learning in the event of an extended school closure.”
ROCKY POINT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Rocky Point school officials canceled classes on Monday, March 16.
“While there is no confirmed case of an individual with COVID19 in our area, there are cases within our surrounding communities and the overall numbers in the county continue to rise,” the district said. “Therefore, in an effort to be proactive in protecting the health and safety of our students and staff, the district has made the decision to close school for students on Monday, March 16, 2020.”
SACHEM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sachem school officials canceled classes on Friday, March 13.
“The Sachem School District received confirmation from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services that a community member has a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID 19),” the district said. “This individual has children who attend Chippewa Elementary School. While current guidance states the district does not need to close schools at this time, out of an abundance of caution all schools, including after-school activities will be closed tomorrow, March 13, 2020. In addition, there will be NO events or other scheduled programs held in our facilities or on our grounds on Saturday, March 14th or Sunday, March 15th.”
SAG HARBOR SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Sag Harbor School District canceled classes through the weekend.
“While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within our schools, in an effort to be proactive in protecting the health and safety of our school community, effective tomorrow Thursday, March 12, Sag Harbor Schools will be closed for students through Sunday, March 22,” the district said.
SAYVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Sayville school officials canceled classes on Monday, March 16.
“While there are no known cases of COVID-19 in Sayville Schools we are, out of an abundance of caution, closing all schools on Monday, March 16 for students,” the district said. “This decision has been made to permit our teachers to prepare instructional materials for students should there be a long-term school closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This conference day will also permit the District’s custodial staff to continue their intensive COVID-19 cleaning process.”
SEWANHAKA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sewwanhaka school officials canceled classes on Friday, March 13.
“We have been notified by the Nassau County Department of Health that one of our component elementary school districts will be closing tomorrow, Friday, March 13, to conduct a deep cleaning of their schools,” the district said. “Out of an abundance of caution for student and staff safety, the Sewanhaka Central High School District will also close to conduct a deep cleaning of our five schools beginning tomorrow and into the weekend. At this time, we will not implement any remote learning. It is our intention to re-open all schools on Monday, unless otherwise directed by the appropriate governmental agency.”
SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Shoreham-Wading River School District school officials sent robocalls to parents Monday morning saying buses with children aboard were being rerouted, but it reopened on Tuesday.
“Earlier this morning, a member of our high school security team informed the district that their spouse may potentially have the coronavirus,” Shoreham-Wading River School Superintendent Gerard Poole said in a robocall Monday. “We have yet to receive notification of any confirmed cases of the coronavirus within the Shoreham-Wading River community. The district acted in the best interest of students and staff and out of an abundance of caution based on the information that was first reported to us, we decided to close schools today.”
By Tuesday morning Shoreham-Wading River schools were back in session.
“We felt it prudent to close in order to be overly cautious and in the best interest of our students/staff health,” Poole said in a follow-up letter on the district website, noting that the school was thoroughly cleaned during the closure. “Please note that it was further confirmed by the Department of Health that no individual in our district has tested positive for the coronavirus as of this writing.”
The school district then canceled classes on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17.
SMITHTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Smithtown school officials announced Thursday, March 12 that classes are being canceled next week, although no cases have impacted the community.
“In the interest of the health and safety of our students, their families, our staff, and the greater community at large, from Monday, March 16, through Sunday, March 22, 2020, ALL Smithtown Central School District schools will be closed,” the district said. “All activities and building use will be cancelled throughout those dates as well. During that time, we will monitor the public health situation and decide whether or not to extend this closure.”
ST. ANTHONY’S HIGH SCHOOL
St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington canceled classes through the weekend.
“St. Anthony’s High School will be closed on Thursday, March 12, and Friday, March 13th,” the school said on its website. “During this time, the building will be cleaned and sanitized.”
ST. PATRICK SCHOOL
St. Patrick School in Smithtown canceled classes Thursday.
“We have been notified that a member of our school community has had a secondary exposure to the Covid-19 virus,” the private school said on its website. “While the Suffolk County Department of Health has assured us that closure is not necessary, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to use the next 24 hours to bring in a professional company to disinfect our campus.”
The school will reopen on Friday.
SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SCCC is transitioning to remote learning for the rest of the semester.
“The College will continue to hold classes on its campuses for the remainder of this week,” the college said. “Suffolk will then transition to the remote model after spring break.”
SYOSSET CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Syosset school officials canceled classes on Monday, March 16.
“At this time there have been NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 among our students or District staff,” the district said. “However, circumstances developed and out of an abundance of caution, all after school and evening activities are canceled for today, March 13, 2020. All schools will be closed Monday, March 16, 2020.”
THREE VILLAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Three Village school officials canceled classes for five days.
“While there is no confirmed case of an individual with COVID-19 in our area, there are cases within our surrounding communities and the overall numbers in the county continue to rise,” the district said. “Therefore, in an effort to be proactive in protecting the health and safety of our students and staff, the district has made the decision to close schools for a five-day period effective Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20.
VALLEY STREAM CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Valley Stream school officials canceled classes on Friday, March 13.
“A staff member at Memorial Junior High School has self-reported that she tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19),” the district said. “Guidance provided by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires a school to close for 24 hours while the local department of health investigates. Therefore, all VSCHSD schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, March 13, 2020. In addition, all activities scheduled to take place within our buildings this weekend are canceled.”
THE WALDORF SCHOOL
The Waldorf School, a private school in Garden City, canceled classes Tuesday and Wednesday out as a preventative measure to give time to disinfect the campus.
“To this date, we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within our community,” the school said. “We will be taking these days to thoroughly clean and sanitize the School and test our Continuance of Operations (COP) plan that includes a distance-learning component.”
WANTAGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Wantagh school officials canceled classes Friday, March 13 to disinfect the campus.
“The district has been notified that a student at Wantagh High School has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19),” the district said. “Guidance provided by the New York\ State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires a school to close for 24 hours while the local department of health investigates. We will be closing all schools across the district tomorrow, Friday, March 13, 2020. This includes all before, after school and evening activities. The need for additional closures beyond Friday will be determined after consultation with the Nassau County Department of Health.”
WEST ISLIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
West Islip school officials canceled classes on Thursday, March 12.
“The district has been notified that a staff member at Bayview Elementary School has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19),” the district said on its website. “Guidance provided by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires a school to close for 24 hours while the local department of health investigates. However, in an abundance of caution, all schools in the district will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, March 12. All activities throughout the district are cancelled for Thursday. The need for additional closures beyond Thursday will be determined after consultation with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.”
The school was cleared to reopen Friday, March, 13, but opted to remain closed as a precaution.
Correction: An earlier version of this story reported that Mill Neck Manor, a school for the deaf in Mill Neck, was closed due to coronavirus, based on information provided by Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. Mill Neck Manor school officials say they are open.
