In coordination with the Johnston County Health Department, the Johnston County School Board announced Tuesday afternoon all field trips would be cancelled for the remainder of the week. Officials said the decision was made in response to the continuing spread of the coronavirus and the safety of students, staff and parents. Chairman Todd Sutton made the announcement during the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the school board.
There have been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Johnston County, however the virus continues to spread. There have been six confirmed cases in Wake County and 7 statewide. On Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency. Today (Wednesday), the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic.
Mr. Sutton said school officials would remain in contact with the Health Department and make a decision in a few days as to whether field trips next week may also be cancelled.
Prior to recognizing several students at the board meeting Tuesday, Sutton said instead of shaking hands with everyone the board would do “fist bumps.”
Story has been updated to correct the total number of coronavirus cases reported statewide.
