The San Francisco Unified School District announced Thursday that it will close Lowell High School after district officials learned that a student’s relative was being treated for novel coronavirus.
District officials chose to close the school on Eucalyptus Drive “out of an abundance of caution and for the safety and well-being of our community” after learning of the student’s relation to a coronavirus patient.
The student left Lowell High at lunchtime and, while not suspected of having the virus, is now in self-quarantine.
The district plans to release an update on the high school’s status before Monday. Students who receive district transportation to and from school will remain on their regular schedule and will be dropped off at their regular time and schedule. “This is an unfolding situation and we’re working with the Department of Public Health, Department of Emergency Management and city partners to determine the next steps,” the district said in a statement.
“There is still a lot of information we do not have. We know that closing school is disruptive and we appreciate your understanding while we continue to gather facts.” District Superintendent Vincent Matthews and Board of Education President Mark Sanchez plan to hold a news conference at 3:15 p.m. to provide an update on the school’s closure.